IV compatibility question

Nurses Medications

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Specializes in Inpatient Oncology/Public Health.

Maybe this is a dumb question(don't you love posts that start this way?) but if a med is compatible with NS, do you assume it is also compatible with 1/2 normal saline? I'm kind of a "by the book" girl and don't hang things together that aren't tested. But my coworker says if it's compatible with NS, it would also be with 1/2NS as it's just a different concentration. What say you?

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That's where I would call pharmacy to find out it if was okay or not, if your computer drug-lookup does not give a straight answer on it.

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Specializes in ER.

I would verify with pharmacy. But if there is no definitive answer I would be safe rather than sorry

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Specializes in Inpatient Oncology/Public Health.

We have kings and Trissels IV compatibility lookup on our system. One doesn't list 1/2 NS at all when you search for med/fluid compatibility. The other comes up as untested when you search a med and 1/2. My coworker says this is because if it's tested with NS, it doesn't need to be tested with 1/2 but I'm not sure I buy that.

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Specializes in Infusion Nursing, Home Health Infusion.

Yes ......if is is compatible with NS it is compatible with 1/2 NS. NS has 154 meq/L sodium and 154 mEq/L of chloride and 1/2 NS has 77 mEq/L of both sodium and chloride. The normal plasma level of chloride is 103/mEq/L and sodium is 140mEq/L. Since it is technically not physiologic and has more chloride and sodium than a human body needs over a few days you will see the sodium and chloride creep up and that s why you see 1/2 NS and D5 1/2 more frequently than NS unless the patient has low sodium levels or is used for a short time.

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Specializes in MICU - CCRN, IR, Vascular Surgery.

When in doubt, call pharmacy, always.

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Specializes in ICU.

If it is compatible with NS, then it is compatible with 1/2 NS.

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Specializes in L&D.

Yes it should be compatible. I always call pharmacy though and make sure my drugs are compatible if there is any question.

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I beg to differ!!! IV Dilantin is only compatible with NSS, not 1/2 NSS. If it is not 0.9NSS there are other additives in the solution, so I do not think you can say that if one is compatible in 0.9NSS it is also compatible with 0.45NSS!! However, call pharmacy!!

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

OK- please remember I am studying for my Crusty Old Bat entrance exam:

It is either 0.9% NaCl ---or--- Normal Saline.

There is no such thing as 0.9NSS or 0.45NSS. Apples and oranges.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming.

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Specializes in Critical Care.
I beg to differ!!! IV Dilantin is only compatible with NSS, not 1/2 NSS. If it is not 0.9NSS there are other additives in the solution, so I do not think you can say that if one is compatible in 0.9NSS it is also compatible with 0.45NSS!! However, call pharmacy!!

Dilantin is compatible with both NS and half-NS.

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Specializes in ICU.

Dilantin is not compatible with dextrose containing solutions, it will crystallize. There are some meds that need to be mixed in dextrose, such as Bactrim. I took the original question as meaning can a medication run thru a line that has half saline in it, not as preparing the drug with it.

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