MO-LPN

LPNs are allowed to administer medications via PICC in Missouri. We're allowed to mix the med prior to administration as long as it is the type of powdered vial that attaches to the fluid bag and is then mixed. If it were the type of set up that would require drawing up saline, injecting that saline into the vial to mix the powdered medication, then drawing the reconstituted medication back into a syringe and injecting it into a port on a fluid bag, THAT - WE ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DO. We also do not push any IV meds of any kind - unless we would be able to say without a doubt in court later that it was a life or death situation. We can MONITOR blood infusions, but can not hang them. We can hang TPN if it is pre-mixed, but if it needs something added to the mix prior to administration such as lipids - we are not allowed to mix these preparations. Your pharmacy should have an intravenous policy and procedures manual available. If you can't find it, call the LTC pharmacy, ask for the IV therapy department, tell them you couldn't find the manual, and ask your question. You check for blood return immediately after cleansing the port, before flushing. Hope this helps, T