Anyone not use a Broselow?

Specialties Emergency

Published

Specializes in ER, Pedi ER, Trauma, Clinical Education.

I have started working an assignment in a pedi ER. Much to my dismay, I learned that the ER does not use a Broselow tape. The nurses told me, "you just estimate their weight." Needless to say, this response gave me a heart attack, especially since EVERY aspect of pedi care is completely based on weights.

I do realize that a Broselow weight is an estimation and designed only for pts which you cannot get a weight on (full arrest, seizing pt, c-spine immobilization due to trauma, etc). But I just cannot imagine giving meds to a pt based on the "guesstimation" of the weight made by a nurse or another MD. At least the Broselow tape does have some scientific evidence behind it!!!!!!!!!

Has anyone else run into this situation? I find it quite unnerving, and I was wondering if any of you have any advice on dealing with this.

Thanks!

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Specializes in ICU, ER.

It seems ridiculous to not use it, and I would imagine a real liability in court if a child was over/underdosed because you didn't use it.

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We always use them in my er. As far as liability goes, if your facility has them available to you then use them. If not then it is a liability issue. If your policy states you don't use them then don't use them. If ever taken to court Policy and stanard of care at the facility play a major role in liability. But maybe you can talk to your educator about the concept of why and why not use them.. Do some reasearch have valuable research behind what your requesting.

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

Every child who's not crashing right now gets weighed in my ER.

Otherwise, the Broselow tape will be in use.

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what is it?

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Oh, cripes. And what if someone (like me) is absolutely no good at guessing weights?????

"Oh, I'm sorry, Doc, we just overdosed the kid. I guessed the weight at 25 kilos and Mom just told me he's actually 15 kilos."

Yeah.

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Eek! I would never "Guestimate" a childs weight when it came to meds! No matter the situation. A Broselow is better than nothing.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.

can it be used on the golf course

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