How to add insulin to an IV Fluid Container

[HoShKyLo]

Hi All,

Looking for some links on how to add insulin to an IV container....evidence recommends using a needle that is one inch in length to puncture the inner port of the bags BUT the insulin syringe needles are only 1/2 inch...I am aware some staff are puncturing the port with a 22 guage then trying to line up the insulin syringe and instill the dose of insulin this way.....any ideas?

[oMerMero]

Why are you adding insulin to an iv bag?

[HoShKyLo]

For an insulin drip

[HoShKyLo]

The insulin is being added to a minibag for the purpose of an insulin drip

[RN1982]

The insulin is being added to a minibag for the purpose of an insulin drip

Only pharmacy should be doing that, not you.

[HoShKyLo]

Not in our facility...this is routinely done by RNs

[RN1982]

Routinely as it's always done by the nurse or as in sometimes you can get pharmacy to make an insulin drip for you?

[rph3664]

Not in our facility...this is routinely done by RNs

If the pharmacy is open, we're the ones who should do that.

Unless there is no pharmacist on duty, there is NEVER an indication for a nurse to do this, especially not on the floor.

[HoShKyLo]

I work in a Canadian Facility and this is indicated a Class I medication....

[RN1982]

Yeah we get that. Insulin is a high alert medication. RNs should not be mixing it especially on the floor when you can be hurried and draw up too much insulin to mix in the bag.

[HoShKyLo]

Totally agree...if policys are in place to support this......

[Mobeeb, RN]

We have to do this all the time in our big ED. We use a TB syringe without the TB needle. If you use Insulin 100units per cc, then 0.1cc = 10 units and so on. We use a 22ga needle, draw up the Insulin and inject it in to the IV bag. We usually put 100units in to 100cc to get a 1:1 drip. Our patients who get these drips are admitted to the unit and not the floor. Does your hospital policy/procedure allow Insulin drips on the floor? Just wondering.