KelliD

we pre med with IV aloxi, benadryl, zofran and ativan. We have had a lot of luck using IV emend for pt's with really severe post chemo nausea. The only down side is its a bit** to get the ins. companies to pay for it. Sancuso patches have worked very well too for at home management when Zofran or compazine isnt enough.

Hello all! I am a recent LPN grad and I just recently began working in an out patient oncology office. Today, I came across a patient who had just been discharged from the hospital and came over to out clinic to receive hydration. The patients wife was a nurse, and informed me the patients port had been heparinized at the hospital and that I must withdraw the heparin from the port before continuing with the flush, blood draw, and hydration. I was taught just briefly in school about ports and was under the impression that I only needed to flush the port with saline. I asked 2 of the RN's I work with and they gave conflicting answers;one became irritated that I asked, and ended up accessing the port herself. So now I am thoroughly confused as to the correct method of working with heparinized ports. Any clairification or tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!