LucyLu

Does your hospital have a policy on IV Drug Administration?? Do you ever keep a line KVO with NS for the sole purpose of piggybacking antibiotics, lasix, steroids, etc.?? Also has there been any research done into this as far as infection rate of frequently accessed ports vs. closed system of IV tubing with piggybacks as well as efficiency of nursing time?

It makes sense to me that you would need an order for this. I guess I'll be bringing it up at our next staff meeting. I could get no clear direction from my peers yesterday--just lots of snickering and "you mean you've never done that before?" Thanks for the replies.

I guess I can see the need in a nursing home but does this occur often in the hospital setting?

I'm a relatively new nurse and I this situation came up yesterday. The patient was having difficulty with a BM. The aide came out and said "she wants the nurse to dig her out!" I've never done this. It certainly wasn't taught in nursing school. I looked it up in my "skills" book and it's not there. So is anyone willing to share their expertise in this area? Also, is it solely a nursing responsibility? Do you need a Dr.'s order. She was a telemetry patient, post lap. choley. HELP!!!!

Yes, thanks that helps.

Mistakes scare the crap out of me!! I made one yesterday and today I'm questioning my decision to stay in hospital nursing!! Patient wasn't harmed but could have been. (Fluid overload). My unit was extremely busy---five telemetry patients, call lights, pain meds., routine meds., assessments, phone calls from family members, the list goes on and on, but the fact of the matter is I MADE AN ERROR. That mistake won't happen again but can I continue to do this crazy job?? I love bedside nursing but sometimes the patient load is too much and there's nothing I can do about it except deal with it day to day (and complain to my manager). I'm still relatively new--less than two years experience (part-time) so maybe it's normal to still be questioning whether I made the right decision to go into hospital nursing. I don't know. Ironically, this happened two days after I received an Excellence in Nursing Award from my peers. Sorta took the wind right out of my sails.

According to our hospital policy and procedures, we are not allowed to give Haldol IV on our med/surg/telemetry unit. However, the RN's in PCU and ICU do give it IV. Check your hospital procedures.

Can someone explain the difference between D5W and D5NS. THANKS...