on call?

[sweetieann]

What exactly does it mean if a med is "on call" for a procedure? For example- a medication is "on call for ECT." Does the floor nurse administer this right before ECT, or would it be administered by the procedure RNs where the ECT will take place? is it wirtten like this if, say, the prescriber isn't sure when the procedure will take place so they just order it "on call?"

Thanks!

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

It depends on the med. For example, PO Ativan "on call" might be administered on the floor by the primary RN, since the onset is a bit longer than IV. That way, it'll be kicking in when they come to take the patient to their procedure, so they won't have to delay the procedure waiting for the med to take effect. Loading doses of Plavix are usually given in the cath lab. "On call" ABX are typically administered in the holding area prior to surgery. Those are just a few examples.

[RCHRTRN]

At my facility, the procedural area calls the floor/unit nurse to let him/her know the patient's procedure is coming up and transporters will soon arrive to pick up the patient. "On call" meds are given at this time.