Labeling preps???

[scrubnurse]

Okay, I TOTALLY get and agree that all meds need to labeled on the field. And even all fluids are labeled (NS, sterile water, etc). We have also been instructed to write on the label the expiration date and your initials. Okay, seems extreme since we keep the bottle on the desk, but I'll go along with it. But now we have just been told we have to label our prep set before we prep, so as to not get the scrub and the paint mixed up?!? Even though I pour the bottle two seconds before prepping the patient, I am supposed to stop, write out labels for the preps, and then continue on with the prepping of the patient. When asked if we could just leave the small sterile bottle of scrub or paint next to that container, we were told no, it must be a "label". We were told that anytime we had two solutions we must label them, even if it is betadine paint and sterile water. Anyone else share this policy? Things just seem to be getting more and more ridiculous. :smackingf

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

I don't call this ridiculous, read too many true incidences of "ooops got it confuse for something else" to think labeling is ridiculous (i.e. the cleaning fluid incident).

We practice the same procedure of labeling where i work. No one complains about it though.

As always, refer to AORN.

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

Yep - I think you're referring to the Seattle woman who died in late 2004 after being injected with chlorhexidine instead of a contrast agent for angiography. Scary stuff.

[scrubnurse]

Okay, I think we may be talking about different issues, because our preps come already packaged with the two small bottles of scrub and the paint. At time of prep, I have put on my sterile gloves, and then take the disposable bottles of scrub and paint, pour them in containers, then immediately prep. There is no way I am going to get a cleaning solution or any other solution mixed up, because they are not in the picture. I am dealing with a scrub and a paint. As I said before, of course anything else should be labeled.

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

I think anything should be labeled if it is not in it's original container, even if it's saline.

Codman makes a sterile marking pen that comes with its own blank labels.

[shodobe]

Labeling prep solutions? Kind of sounds stupid doesn't it! Just another so-called rule made up by somebody who doesn't have a clue about the OR. If you can't remember what is in each tray container when beginning a prep then maybe you shouldn't be doing what your doing, OR nursing. It really isn't brain surgery now isn't it. I just hate it when there are posts that suggests that other people around the country are smarter( tongue in cheek ) than you because they have some advanced degree that decrees them smart. This is a no-brainer issue and shouldn't be taken serious. Yes, other solutions on the back table shouls always be labelled but prep trays, no way.

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

I just hate it when there are posts that suggests that other people around the country are smarter( tongue in cheek ) than you because they have some advanced degree that decrees them smart.

Definitely agree with THAT LOL!

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

Our policy's to label anything that's not in it's original container, we've not had a problem with it, and i agree with it. Obviously i'm in the minority. Won't be posting on this thread anymore, for god's sake.

[shodobe]

Our policy's to label anything that's not in it's original container, we've not had a problem with it, and i agree with it. Obviously i'm in the minority. Won't be posting on this thread anymore, for god's sake.

Totally agree with you on this.

[OR male nurse]

Labeling prep solutions? Kind of sounds stupid doesn't it! This is a no-brainer issue and shouldn't be taken serious. Yes, other solutions on the back table shouls always be labelled but prep trays, no way.

I have to totally agree with you and what you stated. How ridiculous to label your preps. So now you have to open up sterile labels and a pack of sterile gloves in order to put the labels on your sterile prep tray. As John Stossel from ABC's Niteline would say "GIVE ME A BREAK." What a waste of time and money.

[MissJoRN, RN]

2 suggestions (and no opinions) would it be possible for the scrub to make lables for you and hand them over? I'm sure I wouldn't mind taking the extra moment to write paint or scrub for my circ and save opening a pen that will be used twice and trashed. Another thought, if you're using the prep trays I'm thinking of, you have a sterile pack with 2 bottles, dry sponges, and dry paint sticks inside, right? We used to use these and I always opened-poured each bottle into it's well in the tray-threw bottles away-then started prep... could you open-pour scrub into well-toss bottle-scrub-pour paint into well-toss bottle-paint? Eliminates two open bottles at once and I don't think would be as time costly as it sounds?

Too bad the prep kit manufacturer doesn't emboss a label when they make the tray!

[mcmike55]

Ok,,,,for the record, I do believe in labels.

Sort of sounds like the cowardly lion in Wizard of Oz...I do believe in labels,

Ido Ido Ido Ido Ido Ido....

Anyway, I feel that just because it's a good idea, good for pt safety, etc, that does not mean that it cannot be taken to an extreme and then lose it's focus. Does the words defensive medicine sound familure? We were told to stop charting defensively years ago. Is this too different??

I don't know chapter and verse, but I was told that we could probably be ok not labeling our preps if we do it at the time of use.

Actually, the only preps we use are Durapreps (labeled), only Hibiclens,and Betadine scrub & solution.

Again, I like labels, god forbid a mix up like recent horror stories happen any more, and if a simple label eliminates that...go for it. But still,,,,sometimes...I wonder.......

Mike