Ooops. Dropping pills.

[firstyearstudent]

I dropped a pill during clinical today and my RN was really nice about it and just went and got me another one. But last semester my CI dropped one and picked it off the floor and gave it to me to give.

What's the "official" policy on this, and what do you think is probably okay?

[redwinggirlie]

I don't follow the five-second rule in a hospital. If it hits the floor, it's history.

[TazziRN, RN]

I would give it if I dropped it on the med room counter or the pt's bedside table. If it goes on the floor, it's toast. I waste it and get another. Would you want to take a pill that dropped on a hospital floor walked upon by whoknowswhat on all the staff's shoes???

[GatorRN]

I agree w/ Tazzi, if it dropped on the med rm counter or bedside table that's one thing, but if it hit the floor I sure wouldn't be picking it up and giving it to the pt. Just think about the funk and germs that could be on that floor. On a hospital floor there could have been blood, stool, urine, any number of things that may not have been cleaned up properly. EEEEEKKKK

[txlvn03]

I agree with Tazzi and Gator. Whenever it hits the floor, its gone. This is especially important in pediatrics.

[firstyearstudent]

Ugh. Double post.

[firstyearstudent]

Okay, I'm glad I posted this. Since my CI did it, I thought it might not be a big deal, but you've convinced me. I'll never give a floor pill again -- scout's honor. That CI is really great and has loads of experience, but she's kind of a dirty nurse in general (never wears gloves or washes her hands).

[TazziRN, RN]

Okay, I'm glad I posted this. Since my CI did it, I thought it might not be a big deal, but you've convinced me. I'll never give a floor pill again -- scout's honor. That CI is really great and has loads of experience, but she's kind of a dirty nurse in general (never wears gloves or washes her hands).

Well.......there ya go!

[mamason]

Universal precautions are a must in order to not spread germs from one pt to another and yourself. Not being sarcastic here. I'm pretty sure you realize that. Your insructor should be practicing this as well. TazziRN gave great advice about pill adminisrtation. That' how I do it too.

[NurseyTee]

I agree with all.... a pill on the floor is waste, period. I drop them on my med cart top frequently, and even that gives me pause. I do clean the cart with antiseptic before I begin the med pass though, so it seems okay to give but I always take pause about it and wonder if it's really okay.

[TazziRN, RN]

I agree with all.... a pill on the floor is waste, period. I drop them on my med cart top frequently, and even that gives me pause. I do clean the cart with antiseptic before I begin the med pass though, so it seems okay to give but I always take pause about it and wonder if it's really okay.

I think that's okay, as long as no liquid med was spilled before that without being cleaned off, and you clean it regularly. Whatever little bugs might be on the med cart is NOTHING like what's on the floor!!

[jetscreamer101]

We actually have a policy on this one. If its dropped on cart, you can pick it up with a tissue or gloved hand and give it. If on the floor, pitch it, if in the med cart pitch it, anywhere else pitch it. Oh yah, after pitching it, wash your hands, or use that hand sanitizer.