dc529

Hi guys, I just started working at an inpatient psych facility and naturally have had to give IM Ativan several times now. Since the medication is so viscous I want to know how it is appropriate to dilute it. Looking in several different drug reference guides there is no clear and concise answer on if/how this should be done and talking to other nurses that I work with everyone seems to do it their own way. Anyways what are your guys' suggestions? Thanks! Oh yeah, also what gauge needle too?!

Hi guys, I have one more semester before I graduate with my RN and am currently working as a LPN in a psychiatric facility. Anyways this is a dumb question about the lock box that we keep our narcotics in ie. Norco, Xanax, Ativan, Valium, etc. What medications are technically supposed to be kept in the lock box? This facility is old school and we use a med cart that has a separate drawer that has it's own lock that we keep these meds in. I am just curious is this a facility policy on which meds are locked in there or is it a certain law that says we have to lock certain ones? Also, we have our PO Ativan in the locked narc drawer but the IM Ativan is in the refrigerator in its own box with a lock on it but I was told not to lock that one.. since it is the same medication shouldn't it be too? I know this is a silly question but I appreciate the help! Thanks guys :)