Stuck on a question!

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Jul 7, 2012

I was doing my case studies and stuck on a question. If anyone can help me, I will really appreciate it
Given that potassium chloride and calcium gluconate are compatible, would you mix them in the same bag of NS? State you rationale.

What do YOU think? What do you have for your response thus far. (Hint use your drug guide for help/rationale)

jtdonovan246 · Jul 8, 2012

Although they are compatible i would not mix them in the same bag. You could instead use a Y-port and flow them through the same IV. Potassium chloride is a very dangerous drug and mixing more than 1 med in the same bag is just asking for errors.

toucheturtle · Jul 8, 2012

They're both vesicants, so might it be a pretty harsh brew for the vessels if administered together? I'm just a student, so likely totally off base. Just a guess.

NurseSand · Jul 8, 2012

Yes, I been thinking about Y-site compatibility. My answer was no to mixing both of them together but I wanted to make sure before putting my answer on the sheet. Thanks a lot. :specs:

LongislandRN23 · Jul 13, 2012

I would clarify the order with the physician and the pharmacist, and would not mix in the same bag as my gut reaction. For several reasons, including the proper dose of both are being administered over the correct amount of time and what not.