IV push

[greyL]

In school I was taught to dilute IV push medication with saline, but my preceptors have told me this isn't necessary. Which is correct? Also, the couple of times that my preceptor has been with me while pushing meds, she made me feel rushed! How much time do you need to push narcotics and things like protonix? =/

[greyL]

The narcs come in a long thin vial and you draw it out just like a regular vial.

[apoppyfield, BSN, RN]

Your IV drug book should give parameters for everything. I agree with a lot of the comments above that diluted meds are easier to control.

[RNperdiem, RN]

I you are pushing a med through a port of a running IV, and in places like ICUs, the majority of patients will have IV fluid running, it is being diluted.

Personally, I like to take my time and push meds slowly unless it is an emergency.

[Caffeinated RN]

This is why I love having a drug guide!

[Da_Milk_of_Amnesia, MSN]

Blast it. No body like a wuss. Lol.

- I dont dilute anything to be honest, except ativan. Just in case some old persons vein decides to explode.

[MyUserName,RN]

I only dilute if it's absolutely necessary. I haven't killed, maimed, or harmed anyone.

Certain things burn if not diluted.

[VANurse2010]

Certain things burn if not diluted.

I'm well aware of that, but it's absurd to think everything has to be diluted.

[MendedHeart]

^^^^^

[T-Bird78]

Having been on the receiving end of a burning "slow" IV push, I will say that I'd dilute everything and push SLOWLY! I was on a saline bag, dehydration due to hyperemesis, and I don't remember if it was Zofran or potassium (probably potassium) but the IV push burned so badly that I was in tears.

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

Having been on the receiving end of a burning "slow" IV push, I will say that I'd dilute everything and push SLOWLY! I was on a saline bag, dehydration due to hyperemesis, and I don't remember if it was Zofran or potassium (probably potassium) but the IV push burned so badly that I was in tears.

Sounds like potassium, and that burns even when diluted.

I follow the hospital's formulary drug guide. For undiluted meds I've never had issues pushing small amounts slowly.

[sapphire18]

Having been on the receiving end of a burning "slow" IV push I will say that I'd dilute everything and push SLOWLY! I was on a saline bag, dehydration due to hyperemesis, and I don't remember if it was Zofran or potassium (probably potassium) but the IV push burned so badly that I was in tears.[/quote']

Potassium is never given as IVP except in executions.

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

Potassium is never given as IVP except in executions.

Doh, you're totally right. We have a replacement protocol and it's given piggy back and diluted with IVF and it still burns like a mofo.