IV med admin: terrified of making error!

Specialties Infusion

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Specializes in Tele, ED/Pediatrics, CCU/MICU.

Hello :)

I'm a new grad in an ED, and I'm 3 months in to my orientation. I'm posting because I want to know what everyone's personal take on IV medication administration is. (Ex: Flush before and after? Meds you like to dilute? Ones you won't give IVP?) It seems like each nurse I work with varies in their practice.

I'm just wondering what your personal rules are for IV medication administration... of course, I can always go to our policy manual... but I'd like to hear what you all do!

Thanks :)

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Cardiac, ICU.

bump...

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Specializes in ER, Infusion therapy, Oncology.

If you are unfamilar with a drug or how to give it make it a rule to look it up. It is your responsibility as a nurse to make sure you know about the med before you give it. As you become familiar with different drugs you won't have to look it up. Every nurse does develop their own technique with different things but unless you trust that nurse with your license do your own homework.

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Specializes in Hematology/Oncology and Medicine.
Hello :)

I'm a new grad in an ED, and I'm 3 months in to my orientation. I'm posting because I want to know what everyone's personal take on IV medication administration is. (Ex: Flush before and after? Meds you like to dilute? Ones you won't give IVP?) It seems like each nurse I work with varies in their practice.

I'm just wondering what your personal rules are for IV medication administration... of course, I can always go to our policy manual... but I'd like to hear what you all do!

Thanks :)

Information passed to me from preceptor/mentor who spent 25yrs in ER nursing... I would suggest:

Getting a PDA, plunk in a drug guide to quick look up meds carry it with you. I do and I am a floor nurse right now.

My preceptor used to dilute Ativan in a small amount of NS to have better control incase someone would have a reaction (but would still flush before and after).

Always hookup your old folks to a infusion pump about 20ml/hr when giving cardiac meds, so that you can be ready incase their BP goes "wonky".

As far as meds IVPB, ask around when there is time. The oldtimers (if they are good) will let you know what they would do and why they do it that way.

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Specializes in Infusion Nursing, Home Health Infusion.

Let your fear be replaced with knowledge...the best IV administration reference that I have ever seen and have used my entire nursing career of 26 years is by betty gahart. it is awesome--easy to use and never has let me down,,it also lists the ph which as an IV nurse I love , never never give a drug you do not know about.... the mistakes I see most often are nurses mixing incompatable drugs, rate of administration errors and of course giving meds through an infiltrated or asite with a phlebitis.For most meds given you are fairly safe using a SASH method(SALINE AGENT SALINE HEPARIN ) some hospitals of course are no longer using a standard heparin flush .. you are doing a good job in being concerned due to the rapid nature of the IV route and potential for error...stay informed and keep learning

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