Do you have to prepare EVERYTHING you put inside your patient?

[carti, BSN, RN]

I am reading this old thread about someone reported to the BON for not knowing what the Mom would mix into her formula.

In my case, the formula comes in "plastic bottles" throwaway bottles like a Caprisun juice drink so I don't have issue there. But I have to mix those formulas with distilled water. I also have to flush with Distilled water. What happens if the family adds Tequila or some other drug into the water jugs before I clock into my shift and I administer them? Am I liable? It may sound extremely stupid but Home care has a lot of gray areas it seems.

In my example, the family has a huge gallon jug of Distilled water in the kitchen and puts the water into military little jug bottles in pt's room. What happens if they add something to the water? Obviously, I am a nurse and I must know everything I put inside my patient....---

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[caliotter3]

There is a limit to how far down the beanpole I will take on active worry over. Otherwise I just plain would not be able to work at all for being paralyzed with fear. However I am certain there will be some who testify that they are always 110% certain of every factoid and nuance of their care and the care of everyone else on their extended care cases.

[Kitiger, RN]

I agree with Caliotter3 about how far down the beanpole to take it.

If it comes in a distilled water jug, it is reasonable to expect that it is water. If the medicine bottle has been opened, it is reasonable to expect that the pills or liquid in that bottle are in fact that medicine.

If something smells funny or looks funny, then you take it further. But I wouldn't worry about Tequila being added to the water unless I smelled alcohol.

We are expected to do as any competent nurse would do. But we are not expected to require that the parents furnish us with unopened, sealed distilled water or blister pack pills.