IV compatibility

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To look for IV compatibility when your patient is on several IVs, IV pushes, and physician orders more, what is the most effecient way to find information? I know that some IV machines in hospital settings have IV database where you could check, but how can I find the info fast before I enter the patients room? If I need to start different IV site.....Going through the textbook takes some time and we are not given that much time. I am sure nurses know more effecient way to find this info, if you do not mind to share...

Thank you,

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Specializes in ICU, trauma.

Our hospital uses lexicomp...but it's a database you have to pay for.

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I have a Davis drug guide and I just look them up in there. We also have an IV compatability book in our med room that we can use. We have Lexicomp on our computer, but I quit using it because there are so many that don't have the compatability listed so it usually ends up being a waste of time for me. I like my David guide, I know right where stuff is listed, and it just takes me a sec or two to look things up.

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I would ask if your hospital has a subscription to a site... surely you're not the only person who starts IVs! Most hospitals I've been in have their "preferred" site or method.

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Specializes in Critical care.

We have access to micromedex and Lexi-comp through our mar. Also, when in doubt I'll speak with a pharmacist- we have one on my unit during the day and I can always reach one on the phone with no problems.

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Specializes in Huntingtons, LTC, Ortho, Acute Care.

I have lexicomp however if I'm in a hurry I don't think twice about calling the pharmacist ;)

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I was taught in school to type all the meds into micromedex and then print out the sheet and put in the patients room (date and time it). If nothing changes with the patient's meds then it's in the room already for the shift. This would probably be easier though if it was an official policy on the floor.

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I use micromedex as well

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Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.

I have Davis Drug guide in my phone and it lists compatibility for each drug. It takes less than a minute search and then scroll to the compatibility list. Surely you can take a minute of your time check that info for safety.

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Specializes in Infusion Nursing, Home Health Infusion.

The absolute best IV medications s book and one that also includes compatability information on every drug is ...... 2

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My facilty's eMAR has a reference manual with IV compatibility. If I can't find out from that, I check Micromedex, then ask the pharmacist if it isn't listed.

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Specializes in ER, Med-surg.

Every facility I've worked for has had some kind of online database to reference IV compatibility, and pharmacists to ask if you're not sure/genuinely don't have two minutes to look it up. Ask your charge nurse/unit educator/pharmacist and I'm sure they'll point you to your facility's resources.

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