IV compatibility

[sara2013]

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,

[cardiacfreak, ADN]

I was recently having a conversation with our Pharmacist, it seems that when we call about compatabilities, the pharm techs use Lexicomp to look it up. So while I am on hold waiting, I could have looked in Lexicomp myself.

[Asystole RN]

In the absence of facility purchased drug guides I would use a couple different IV Drug guide apps on my phone. Davis made one along with a few others. I found it fast and easy to use.

[bman2019]

micromedex and lexi-comp is what ive used, and i prefer the look of lexi-comp's chart. I have a backup lexi-comp app on my phone and our unit has a drug book if the internet is down/system upgrade. i prefer the online lexi site since I'm already on the computer checking off orders from cpoe and it can be done at any computer. just my preference. cheers

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Our eMAR automatically pops up an alert for incompatible drugs when they are scanned, plus there is a highlighted line of text under each med that has interactions with commonly given meds (such as medications that interact with heparin).

[William2]

Our mar has a link to micromedex for each drug. From there you can click to the IV compatibility tab. I find it useful when I forget what is compatible. However a lot of the time I find that meds are untested. So, I test them anyway! If the drip chamber doesn't turn colors or turn to a solid we're good! You'll know!

I made the mistake of mixing solucort IVP and insulin gtt in front of a physician last week. She didn't notice but i did as it turned my line white. An oh **** moment. I knew better, however, monetary lapse of judgement as she was asking many questions while I had pressors, sedation, tpn, antibiotics, and lytes infusing. It happens.

[hawaiicarl, BSN, RN]

We use Micromedex as well. In addition to this we have a large laminated sheet with our most common drips posted on the wall in each room. This is a lifesaver when you get those drips you don't usually run. Eventually you will remember all the common drips. That being said, compatibilities change all the time as more studies are run, it used to be we couldn't run bicarb, or propofol with anything else, totally different now they each have a decent amount of drips they can run with.

Cheers

[CelticGoddess, BSN, RN]

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

we use lexicomp also. I like it but sometimes, nothing beats a call to the pharmacist. When in doubt and you can't find the info yourself, call the pharm.