Antibiotic Tubing

[MEDICJOHN]

Being a new nurse, I am running into alot of nurses jumping down my throat for doing things this or that way. And it often leaves me stuck as to what is personal preference vs standard of care. This weeks question, it standard practice to use a different PB tubing for each antibiotic or is it ok to hang 3 various antibiotics using the same line?

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

Check the facility policy and procedure manual- then YOU are covered. Don't rely on others for the info that will protect YOUR butt, and your patient's health :)

Personally, I had different tubing for each med.

[Reno1978, BSN, RN]

I will sometimes hang different PB using the same lines if I'm 100% sure of compatibility - for example, I'll hang KCl after running a compatible abx. I typically use different tubing though, capping off the ends of each PB line. It doesn't take long to unscrew one, cap it, and plug in another one. Some nurses will back prime the line and use the same one, but it only took me one time of having something crystalize in my line that I stopped doing that.

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

I will sometimes hang different PB using the same lines if I'm 100% sure of compatibility - for example, I'll hang KCl after running a compatible abx. I typically use different tubing though, capping off the ends of each PB line. It doesn't take long to unscrew one, cap it, and plug in another one. Some nurses will back prime the line and use the same one, but it only took me one time of having something crystalize in my line that I stopped doing that.

Yep. Having murky 'jello' form instantly in a tube that's moving at a fair clip towards the patient is not a good situation. :)

[talaxandra]

We mix almost all meds on site and most often administer via burette, so yeah, I usually use the same line, with a minimum 30ml N/Saline (or other compatable fluid) flush between drugs.

However, you absolutely can't go wrong checking the policy of your hospital, ward or department.

[merlee]

CHECK YOUR FACILITIY'S POLICY. Check with the pharmacy. Most want seperate tubings. Don't go with what people 'say'.

I 'grew up' with different tubing for each med, and that would be my choice.

Best wishes.

[GGT1]

If it's compatible, absolutely.

[StrwbryblndRN]

I use different tubing with each med. I am not opposed to using same tubing for compatible meds. But when I am rushed or have alot on my plate, I do not want to make a mistake, so I stay consistent just in case.

[That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Different tubing for each ABX is how I do it. I never know how well the previous nurse checked compatibility and dont want to run that risk.

[MunoRN, RN]

Our policy is to use the same secondary tubing to reduce infection risk. We use the same tubing regardless of compatibility using a back flush.

[Hay Nars, RN]

I always use a different PB line per antibiotic.

I.E. Flagly has it's own, Zithro has it's own and Zosyn will have it's own. ;D

Make sure to date all your lines! ;D

[elthia]

Our policy is to use the same secondary tubing to reduce infection risk. We use the same tubing regardless of compatibility using a back flush.

I agree...I was taught the more often you break open the lines, the higher the chances of contamination and risk for infection.