the HEAT wave

[CapeCodMermaid]

We,as lots of other parts of the country, are in a horrible heat wave...record breaking temps here.

How are all y'all handling it? We do NOT have central air. There are air conditioners at the end of the nursing units and in some of the residents rooms, but for the most part the building is HOT HOT HOT. I had to send three people out rescue the past 3 days from heat. We go around reminding people to drink lots of juice or water and to take more breaks than normal but it doesn't do much good.

[achot chavi]

When you talk about infusion, you mean actually continous drip? At what rate? Which part of the body? What kind of needle - not an IV catheter surely?

Interested to know. thanks.

Yes a continuous drip of Normal Saline only (not Ringers Lactate or any glucose containing solution)

limited to 500 or 1000mls (after that amount you must change insertion sites)

continuous drip (about 100-130 ml's an hour) so that a liter finishes in 8-10 hours. You might see a slight sweeling in the area around insertion but that is normal and subsides within an hour as the fluid is absorbed. If it bothers you or the patient- just slow down the rate to allow for absorption. We've never had infections or pain at the sight, never redness, rashes or fever/heat. We've never had a complaint- even if the needle pinches as it goes in, once its in you dont feel it

We like the lower belly (under the umbilicus) or upper back (fatty) area but you can insert it into the upper legs and anywhere that you would normally give a S/C injection. Bear in mind pt activity so that they are comfortable. We dont find the arms to be comfortable. We like giving it when they are napping/sleeping so they are less mobile and relaxed.

we use a butterfly needle (small and painless- not an IV needle) inserted all the way and anchored in place with tape so it doesnt come out

Always best to discourage pts from pulling them out but if they do- just reinsert- even in the same general area.

Hope This Helps!!