Lipid infusion error

Published

Specializes in med-surg.

Last night a coworker of mine accidentaly infused a patient's lipids at 250 cc/hr instead of 10 cc/hr. Luckily the new nurse starting the next shift discovered it when the lipids were about half empty. I was wondering if this would cause the patient harm. I can't seem to find information about this on the internet...

Thanks,

Gwen

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med-surg.

Too rapid administration can cause electrolyte imbalance since Lipids are hypertonic compared to the human body. Also, to rapid administration can cause hepatic dysfunction, along with hypercoagulation. It also depends on what % of lipids were transfused...I believe you can administer 10% or 20%...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Infusion Nursing, Home Health Infusion.

Yikes......also watch for pulmonary complications...there have been some deaths in neonates...even with correct rates of administration......what did they do for the patient/....did they do anything to protect the patients kidneys...or respiratory status?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion