IV's, piggybacks, IV machines.....help!

TazziRN, RN · Sep 19, 2007

Machines: it depends on the machines the facility uses.

Piggybacks: what is it you want to know about them?

brookorrn · Sep 19, 2007

Machines: it depends on the machines the facility uses.
Piggybacks: what is it you want to know about them?

i am not sure what the brand or name of the machines is, i will find out and let you know. as far as piggybacks are concerned.......anything you can tell me that may help me.......any secrets you may have in remembering which meds don't mix, what lines to use, etc. maybe i am just dumb.........i feel like i know nothing when it comes to this kind of stuff.........am a new grad and feel really stupid.:uhoh21:

gdelrosa · Sep 19, 2007

i am not sure what the brand or name of the machines is, i will find out and let you know. as far as piggybacks are concerned.......anything you can tell me that may help me.......any secrets you may have in remembering which meds don't mix, what lines to use, etc. maybe i am just dumb.........i feel like i know nothing when it comes to this kind of stuff.........am a new grad and feel really stupid.:uhoh21:

I don't try to remember what meds can be combined in a line. There are reference tools in drug books. In my facility, we have Micromedex where you can plug the meds in and the program will tell you whether you can combine them in a line. If micromedex says that meds are not compatible or untested, I don't run them piggyback.

Does this answer your question?

TazziRN, RN · Sep 19, 2007

The only piggyback not compatible with all usual IV solutions is Vanco. All others are fine with an mainline. It's when you get into concurrent lines that you have to worry....you cannot run all cardiac meds together, for example.

You don't really need cheat sheets for those, just get in the habit of looking up each med before you hang it, and before you know it you'll remember the particulars.

Your pumps should have a little cheat book hanging off of them for quick reference. Like the meds, it won't be long before you won't need it.

CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN · Sep 19, 2007

if you could find someone kind at work to help you briefly figure the iv machine out...take good notes! and provide the nice coworker a fine candybar for the help! it's no big deal for a coworker to provide a mini inservice because we all were there at one time, struggling with those darn iv pumps!

MrsMommaRN · Sep 19, 2007

i.v. pumps can be tricky little buggers. what you don't know about ask. take your time and walk through it. one thing to always remember is to clamp your tubing before you start hanging fluids or start a new line, or you will have a mess on your hands.

newer machines are a lot more user friendly. take the time to really look at the pump from front to back open it up and play with it. (one that is not being used ofcourse).

EmmaG, RN · Sep 19, 2007

Micromedex is great. Also check around for this book http://www.amazon.com/2008-Intravenous-Medications-Handbook-Professionals/dp/0323045537/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-0081392-8560031?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1190191266&sr=8-1

Most floors I've worked have copies on hand for their staff to use, so you might not even have to buy your own. Great reference.

deeDawntee, RN · Sep 19, 2007

I have one other tip for you:

1) RELAX!! You aren't expected to know how to use a piece of equipment that is new to you. It is OK! We all have been new at some point and let me tell you, there will always be at least one person who will be able to help you. Even after you have done it a few times, it is still OK to ask for help. I know nurses who have 20+ years of experience who continue to ask for help. Just practice these 3 words: "I need help". They will take you from novice to competence to mastery faster than anything else. All of the very best nurses I know ask for help all the time. It is part of the job. To know how to access those resources available to you will be invaluable as you continue on in your career. You are not alone. Do not be ashamed if you don't know something. We use each other as resources ALL the time.

Take a deep breath and know that you don't have to figure all of it out alone!

;)

confused101 · Sep 19, 2007

i.v. pumps can be tricky little buggers. what you don't know about ask. take your time and walk through it. one thing to always remember is to clamp your tubing before you start hanging fluids or start a new line, or you will have a mess on your hands.
newer machines are a lot more user friendly. take the time to really look at the pump from front to back open it up and play with it. (one that is not being used ofcourse).

yes, don't forget to clamp. i have wore alot of antibiotics! :)

confused101 · Sep 19, 2007

If I don't know about a meds going together, I call the pharmacy. They are great where I work for that info. Getting the med up on the floor is a different story!

YellowFinchFan · Sep 19, 2007

I agree with most advice here - make a quick cheat sheet and you'll soon find you won't need it anymore after you hang your 1000th IV in a day (haha) only kidding!

As for compatible vs not compatible drugs - at my facility we can call the pharmacist and check first.

I never mind helping a new nurse with IV's = I also like to prime my line outside the patients room (at substation/med room etc) It makes for a smoother quicker task at bedside.

Oh, and one of my pet peeves is always UNTANGLE and LABEL multiple lines (if present) for IV therapy. You should always know what's what in a patient's room - what's going in where on what pump (if you have more than one going) ..... your patient looks better and you look like you know what you're doing!

GOOD LUCK