premixed lovenox question

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I had a pt on my last shift who was supposed to receive 100mg of lovenox. I couldn't remember where we keep the vials of lovenox, so I asked a nurse. As she was helping me, I asked her, hypothetically, if we could just give the premixed lovenox. In our facility, we get 30mg/0.3cc and 40mg/0.4cc. So giving 2 30mg and 1 40 mg would equal a total of 100mgs in 1cc, which is what I ended up drawing up anyway. This nurse said that if I gave the premixed lovenox, I would be making a serious medication error.

I understand that I shouldn't poke a pt 3 times to give one dose of enoxaparin, but how is this a medication error?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I understand that I shouldn't poke a pt 3 times to give one dose of enoxaparin, but how is this a medication error?
It is not a medication error. The physician ordered Lovenox 100mg and the patient will have received Lovenox 100mg, albeit via three subcutaneous injections. Since the right patient is receiving the right medication via the right route and time, no medication error occurs.
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Specializes in ICU.

Your way is not a medication error. But I do know that 100mg Lovenox prefilled syringes exist - in my facility we just have to get them from the pharmacy instead of our Pyxis. You might see if that's an option for you.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

It is not a med error. Thread moved for best response

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