question about IV push

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Aug 9, 2006

I would ask this question to the nurses on my unit but I've already asked them a million questions already, so maybe someone here can help me. When you give a medicine IVP do you usually dilute it in NS. I know morphine, phenergan, you should dilute but what about other drugs? I had to give Solumedrol 125mg/2ml IVP the other day and I didn't know if I had to dilute it but I just did anyway to be on the safe side.

Why would you give a med via IVP, that you didn't know how to give, without looking it up in a current drug book? That's where you would have found your answer. You could also have checked with the pharmacy!

You diluted a med without knowing if it should be?

jmgrn65, RN · Aug 9, 2006

Always ask or look up a med that you don't know before giving it, whether it is IV, IM or PO. Remeber you can't get back what has been given. Don't feel you are asking too many questions. Even nurses that have numerous years of experience ask other nurses questions.

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Aug 9, 2006

You should have a parenteral drug manual on your unit that gives you all the pertinent information regarding any and all injectable drugs used in your facility. It should give you infomation about who can legally give the drug (some MUST be given by the physician) and under what circumstances, what the drug is for, what the usual dose is, what kind of fluids it's compatible with, maximum concentrations, recommended routes and rates, and drug compatibilities. I'd advise you to look for it ASAP and familiarize yourself with its contents. It can literally be a life saver!!

willdgate · Aug 9, 2006

I would ask this question to the nurses on my unit but I've already asked them a million questions already, so maybe someone here can help me. When you give a medicine IVP do you usually dilute it in NS. I know morphine, phenergan, you should dilute but what about other drugs? I had to give Solumedrol 125mg/2ml IVP the other day and I didn't know if I had to dilute it but I just did anyway to be on the safe side.

I would it's NS like flushing it. Whatcha think?

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Aug 10, 2006

Actually, Solumedrol can be given IV push undiluted (maximum concentration 125 mg/mL) over 1-5 minutes for low dosing (2 mg/kg or 500 mg/dose) over an hour. It is compatible with D5W, NS and combinations of dextrose and saline.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Aug 10, 2006

Actually, Solumedrol can be given IV push undiluted (maximum concentration 125 mg/mL) over 1-5 minutes for low dosing (2 mg/kg or 500 mg/dose) over an hour. It is compatible with D5W, NS and combinations of dextrose and saline.

Something that sticks out at me from the original post was that this med was given without looking it up, indicating the OP didn't know how fast it should be pushed either...? How would she decide how fast to give it, particularly if she gave a random amount of diluent along with the med itself? That concerns me more than whether a diluent was used and was not necessary.

Just my thoughts, since I would've used the drug book.

gitterbug · Aug 10, 2006

When I have questions regarding drug administration, I have always looked to the pharmacy. Sure I have looked it up in the drug book, but sometimes I needed a little more help. I have never been treated poorly when I asked,

and the answer was given kindly and quickly.

NEVER give a medication if you are not sure how to give it.

balutpinoysabutuan · Aug 10, 2006

:gandalf: dont give or do anything if your not sure of;dont be shy to ask coz it may save lives.

crb613, BSN, RN · Aug 13, 2006

I would ask this question to the nurses on my unit but I've already asked them a million questions already, so maybe someone here can help me. When you give a medicine IVP do you usually dilute it in NS. I know morphine, phenergan, you should dilute but what about other drugs? I had to give Solumedrol 125mg/2ml IVP the other day and I didn't know if I had to dilute it but I just did anyway to be on the safe side.

I just always look it up myself if I am not sure. I just am too scared to take any one's word for how to give/dilute a drug. I owe it to my patients to be as safe as humanly possible. There are just so many drugs that I do not know about......my advise is always look up anything thing you are unsure about. Good Luck & be safe!

Spacklehead, MSN, NP · Aug 16, 2006

Always look meds up yourself. Even a nurse with 20+ years experience could accidentally give you the wrong info on how to dilute an IV med.

10MG-IV · May 12, 2008

always look meds up yourself. even a nurse with 20+ years experience could accidentally give you the wrong info on how to dilute an iv med.

yes, look before you leap, 1 min prep work can save alot of explaining and heartache. we as nurses are pushed to work faster, i say we need to work slower and safely. in the er or on the floor in a code my hands still tremble. i have done this for 30 years. i still get the rush. i will grab a doc, or nurse or someone with the ability to "figure" doses rates and drips and double check myself. unit dose it wonderful though. also... never believe the patient if they say they are 198 lbs. every one actually weighed were 248+ and that will change some med doses.(and i am no skinnyminny myself).