critical thinking

THELIVINGWORST, ASN, RN · Nov 26, 2015

Benadryl is an adjuvant medication as far as I know so it helps. As far as if he's addicted, does it matter?

AZQuik · Nov 26, 2015

Benadryl can produce a rush if pushed iv and a sedative high. But I agree with Slinky. If the person wants help I guess that's one thing but....

xoCrash · Nov 26, 2015

I was given IV Benadryl once (no idea why.. I had flu and meningitis like symptoms and had a raging headache...) and holy crap I was drowsy in moments and everything was spinny. I kind of felt super drunk. Not a fan.

Karou · Nov 26, 2015

CF and sickle cell patients usually have been in and out of the hospital frequently since they were children. Because of frequent hospitalizations starting at a young age, and the pain their diseases cause, they often require IV opiates and adjunctive therapy to manage their pain. As with anyone requiring narcotics for chronic conditions, they can build a tolerance to the meds causing the to require a higher and more frequent dosage. I had to give a 20 year old sickle cell patient 6mg IV dilaudid q3hr once. The poor patient was a giant of a guy and it barely phased him!

The request for IV Benadryl + narcotic to be drawn up in the same syringe and pushed "fast" isn't uncommon.

Addiction or tolerance, it doesn't matter. As long as it's safe to administer you give it when requested. As far as pushing "fast" that request is usually denied. Some nurses will do it to appease the patient, but usually boundaries have already been set and a nurse will refuse.

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · Nov 26, 2015

The only thing I push "fast" is adenosine (and epi).

elkpark · Nov 26, 2015

Wanting meds pushed faster than indicated is usually about getting a rush/high from the med. Lots of people who know about getting high from IV Benadryl look for excuses to request it.