Heparin SQ or drips

[mamason]

Just wondering what your policies were for the administration of Heparin SQ or DRIPS?

[mamason]

OK... the reason I was asking was because when I was trained on a cardiac/tele/stepdown unit I was never told or shown to have Hep SQ double checked with another nurse. Drips were never double checked either. Of I made sure it was the right dose, right pt, right route,ETC. Hep drips came premixed from pharmacy and there was no special documentation that was needed. It was mainly checked off as a "given med" in our charting system. Just wanting to make sure that what I was taught was the right way to administer and document these drugs. I'll be seeking new employment soon and don't want to look stupid, should this be the incorrect way of giving heparin. Or, is it that every facility has their own protacols for administering drugs? Any input would be helpful.

[All_Smiles_RN]

I suppose it varies by the facility. On my unit, we have to have a co-signer before we administer hep, whether it's a drip or subq. In regards to drips, we have a protocol to follow in regards to when to draw the next PTT and what our next action should be, whether bolusing and increasing the drip, keeping it the same, holding it for 2 hours, etc.

[mamason]

Well...thank goodness someone replied. I was beginning to feel.....how do you put it?.....DUMB! Yes, we had same protocol for Ptt. Generally, our Hep was pulled fromt the PIXIS and was automatically documented in the computer. Then you would go back and rechart on it. I've never had to co-sign or have someone double check the Hep that I was getting ready to administer. I read in other threads that this was done and it stumped me. I was just curious. I've only been a nurse fot 3 years and only practiced 2 out of those three. I've only worked at 1 hospital. Thanks for taking the time to answer my question.:wink2:

[kcalohagirl]

We double-check all heparin, lovenox, insulin, and cardiac drips. We've even got to the point where we double check all our lab draws to make sure the right sticker for the right person is on the right tube. That particular bit can be a bit time consuming, but we have seen mislabeled specimens decrease.

I'm sure every facility has it's own policy.

[mamason]

Thanks for your response. I've found a new job and will follow their protocals accordingly.

[zacarias, ASN, RN]

I've worked at places that do and don't require double-checking of heparin SQ. I agree with drips it is good practice to double check, but subq heparin does not need to be double-checked whatsoever. HOWEVER, if a facility requires you to double check heparin SQ, then you gotta do it. :/

[mamason]

I agree, if they require it, then it will be checked. I was just curious. You know, you learn so much from these boards. Thanks for the reply.