IV Push Ativan

Thank you. So that dosing information doesn't mention if it is a slow infusion on a pump or a slow push. I guess there isn't much difference. Maybe I am looking too much into this. I was just shocked at how quickly my mom fell asleep. I didn't closely watch the nurse when she pushed it, so I felt like maybe she pushed it too fast? I am just done torturing myself over this. I don't have a clue as to why the former ED nurse said you don't push Ativan. ugh

1 minute ago, Wuzzie said:

The highlight wasn't mine. Read further down to administration instructions where it clearly shows IV push administration. The nurse you were talking to is an idiot. 

Thank you! I needed to hear that.

 That article even says Ativan is not FDA approved for IV infusion, so push is recommended. 

In ICU, we push all kinds of meds like Ativan, midazolam, hydromorphone, morphine and fentanyl. We are giving these drugs for a specific purpose. In 25 years of doing this, I have rarely had a problem.

In my Dad's final week with cancer, the hospice nurse gave us a bottle of concentrated drops containing ativan that helped my Dad's terminal agitation and gave him a more peaceful exit. 

49 minutes ago, ILoveHorses RN ADN said:

I wanted my  mom to be comfortable but I did not expect the Ativan to make her fall asleep so quickly. But she needed the pain/anxiety relief.

50 minutes ago, ILoveHorses RN ADN said:

I am tired of beating myself up about Ativan. She knew she was passing, and I made sure she was clear that our goal was to keep her comfortable. thanks for reading. 

Please do not beat yourself up any more. You didn't do anything wrong, in fact you did right, even during your grief of saying goodbye.

IV meds do have a relatively quick onset of action. In this case your mother was probably exhausted and also had another med with some sedative effect on board (appropriately). It's okay, nothing wrong happened here, but the pain of your loss is real. Wanting her to have relief is evidence of your love for her, not the opposite.

Very sorry for your loss. It's okay to move through the stages of grief as they come to you, including the stage of acceptance. It doesn't mean you didn't love the person.

((hugs)).

So sorry for your loss. The Ativan had nothing to do with it. You did a great job. I hope your grief resolves. 

I am so sorry if you've been carrying around guilt related to this conversation. Clearly this nurse was wrong. I have pushed IV ativan hundreds of times. No matter what, as you pointed out and logically understand, it's the cancer that tragically cut your mother's life short. You were doing your absolute best as a daughter and caregiver. Give yourself grace, hoping that happy memories can bring you peace in difficult times. 

Condolences, I'm sorry about your mom.

Yes you can push ativan IV, it helps with withdrawal symptoms in people at risk for DTs or grand mal seizures in RRTs. Those are the times when I've mostly had to push it.

3 hours ago, JKL33 said:

 

Please do not beat yourself up any more. You didn't do anything wrong, in fact you did right, even during your grief of saying goodbye.

IV meds do have a relatively quick onset of action. In this case your mother was probably exhausted and also had another med with some sedative effect on board (appropriately). It's okay, nothing wrong happened here, but the pain of your loss is real. Wanting her to have relief is evidence of your love for her, not the opposite.

Very sorry for your loss. It's okay to move through the stages of grief as they come to you, including the stage of acceptance. It doesn't mean you didn't love the person.

((hugs)).

 

Thank you. I remember pushing Ativan in the NICU so my brain started playing tricks on me when this nurse said you don't push Ativan. Yes, I played the role of nurse and daughter at the same time to keep my mom comfortable. I wasn't easy. I am just grateful she didn't suffer at all.

2 hours ago, JBMmom said:

I am so sorry if you've been carrying around guilt related to this conversation. Clearly this nurse was wrong. I have pushed IV ativan hundreds of times. No matter what, as you pointed out and logically understand, it's the cancer that tragically cut your mother's life short. You were doing your absolute best as a daughter and caregiver. Give yourself grace, hoping that happy memories can bring you peace in difficult times. 

Thank you so much. I have been upset about how quickly the Ativan worked since she passed. I question myself off and on for asking for the Ativan. Then when this nurse said you can't push Ativan I wasn't sure if I heard her correctly! I am my own worst enemy sometimes. 

3 hours ago, RNperdiem said:

In ICU, we push all kinds of meds like Ativan, midazolam, hydromorphone, morphine and fentanyl. We are giving these drugs for a specific purpose. In 25 years of doing this, I have rarely had a problem.

In my Dad's final week with cancer, the hospice nurse gave us a bottle of concentrated drops containing ativan that helped my Dad's terminal agitation and gave him a more peaceful exit. 

It is so important to keep people comfortable during their departure from life.