Critical timing

So one of the patients this morning had an allergic reaction into a food she does not know she's allergic to so we did call emergency team to come give us a hand as her ears were swelling and whole body was itching. They prescribed Hydrocortisone 200 mg and I am happy to give it. I always have this habit of looking in the injectable drug handbook but that time I was a bit confuse reading it as I am really rushing and I did not want any medication errors so it took a bit of time. I am 2 years out of nursing school and I just felt dumb because I know it is critical timing but at the same time I don't want to have a med error. By the time I figured it out, I felt like I annoyed one team member because I took a bit of a time making it. Anyway, the patient calm down by time I get there.

Does anyone felt like they are the dumbest nurse in the world?

The patient was 'swelling' so I would probably opt to give it immediately (as prescribed) without the handbook. You wouldn't have a med error if you have right dose/med, right patient.

I completely understand your post. It is so scary in an emergency situation to be told to give a drug when you are not familiar with it.

Who was they? I hope, assume, a doctor. Hopefully it will never happen again, but if a similar situation arises don't hesitate to ask, repeat back, to who ever the "they" are....say LOUDLY, "you ordered hydrocortisone 200 mg is that correct," or, "I am giving 200 mg of hydrocortisone IV push is that the correct order" BEFORE you give it.

If the emergency response team was already there it should only take a few seconds (which can seem like 5 minutes in an emergency) to tell them you are unfamiliar with whatever drug is prescribed and you want to check you are giving the correct drug and correct does.