maria48

@ Gnt Tea...I got it for 0.2 I draw up until 20 units. I agree with you of the risk of error, but I think that they are using this kind of syringe for the comfort of the patient because the needle is so fine.

Thanks Gnt tea, the problem in the facility is that they're using insulin syringes for heparin so I'm not sure how to measure it. Pls advise on how to measure it.

Oh one more thing for a heparin dose of 5,000 units/0.2 ml in an ampule do I have to measure if it's 0.2 or do I just give the whole ampule? I know there are different doses per ampule e.g 5,000/1ml, 5,000/2ml, so do I have to measure those mls? Cause I've seen them just give the whole ampule.

Thanks for all the clarifications. I am researching all common calculation that they do in the ward (Medical Ward setting) like reconstitution, insulin, IV drips, I am still learning but this thread is really helping me transition into the real world in nursing not just in class. Thanks

Thank you dream'n. Yeah, guess that was for different dosing syringes. And as for heparin, thanks for clarifying now I'm getting it. I think I just have to be observant in the ward on how they give medications. Big thanks from me..

If the doctor orders 20 units of insulin, do I just draw 20 units of the insulin in the vial and give it to the patient? or will there be a situation where I have to use a formula desired dose over available dosage for example, ordered dose: 20 units over (on hand U-100 units vial) that will give me 0.2 ml.

Thank you for the quick reply Joy. I've just encountered this that they had to use a formula, it's desired amount over available dosage as seen here. Essential Mathematics for Nursing

Calling all nurses.. I'm new to nursing and I know this may seem a stupid question but I just wanted to know.. I will be starting my clinicals soon so.... What I understand about Insulin is they are ordered by units. For pens, easy just dial to the desired order, however for the other insulins I've read to just also draw up the desired unit, for example (just making this number up) 30 units of long acting, then you just draw 30 units using an insulin syringe and give to patient. In the other problem I've encountered they're using D/H formula (Eg. 20 units of Regular Insulin. You are using U-100 insulin. how many ml do you give: answer 0.2ml) I was thinking of just drawing 20 units in a bottle. How do I know if I should just draw up the ordered unit or use the D/H formula. Pls explain... I don't want to give the wrong dose. I'm so anxious. For Heparin, for example, doctor ordered 5,000 units SC. I have 3 choices (5,000/0.2ml) (5,000/1ml) (5,000/2ml) which do I choose? Does it matter? Pls help I'm so nervous.

Hi nurseonduty17 can you send me a sample CV in APHRA format? I'm not sure if I'm doing the right thing. I hope you can help me thanks.