IM Ativan

[dc529]

Hi guys,

I just started working at an inpatient psych facility and naturally have had to give IM Ativan several times now. Since the medication is so viscous I want to know how it is appropriate to dilute it. Looking in several different drug reference guides there is no clear and concise answer on if/how this should be done and talking to other nurses that I work with everyone seems to do it their own way.

Anyways what are your guys' suggestions? Thanks!

Oh yeah, also what gauge needle too?!

[302queen]

we do not use dilution when we give it where i work. our docs use geodon a lot too so it is two injections

[psychRNflorida]

We don't dilute, unless you count haldol ;-) I always use an 18 gauge to draw it up, then I switch to a 20 or 22 to inject. It's hard to push through a 22, but done slowly it works and stays injected!

[wingding]

I was taught to draw a B52 STAT - I draw Haldol 1st, mix into the Ativan to dilute & then draw the Benadryl last. I use an 18G to draw (helps it to go quicker) & change to a 22G to administer IM. I always count to at least 10 before I withdraw needle & have never gotten it back at me. I don't dilute a regular Ativan - I draw with that 18G - change to the 22G - don't administer any smaller than 22G - it's a hard push & you'll never get it in quick enough.

[Orca, ADN, ASN, RN]

We used it in Carpuject cartridges, never diluted.

[paufortaleza]

No dilution in my experience. and i use a 1 inch 23g needle.

[izabet]

From the manufacturer leaflet: "Intramuscular administration:A 1:1 dilution of Ativan Injection with normal saline or Sterile Water for InjectionBP is recommended in order to facilitate intramuscular administration."