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Discussion

Rocephin Injections

In my past clinic experience we have always made patients wait at least 20 minutes after receiving rocephin or other antibiotic injections. We have a new nurse manger who states that they do not need to wait if they have had thee injection before. My mind remembers that it is not necessarily the first time that you are exposed that you react. Also, it is still an IM injection and will take 20-30 minutes for medication absorption to occur. Just wondering what other peoples experience and protocols are. Perhaps I am just an old nurse and this is a sacred cow? i have been unable to find any research or data to support either so your input would be appreciated.

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    • Featured Replies

    Reactions can occur any time after a medication regardless of how long or how many times someone has had it. I agree with waiting. Heck, it's mandatory in our practice they wait 30 minutes after their injections. Of course, we're doing allergy and Xolair so it's a different story, but keep them waiting.

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    Our policy is to make them wait 20 minutes, regardless of how many times they've had an antibiotic.

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    I would a) look at the drug information from the manufacturer to see what/if they recommend, b) look at your facility's policy if there is one, and c) ask your manager if she has any evidence, such peer-reviewed research, stating that it's not necessary to observe.

    If the manufacturer recommends observing, then you really wouldn't have a leg to stand on if you don't observe and the patient has an adverse effect.

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    All patients in our center wait 15-20min after any injection or medication. You never know what meds they took before walking in the door that may impact their condition.

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    We always made them wait 20 minutes regardless of how many times they had received it previously.

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    • Experts

    The industry standard is to wait 15 to 20 minutes regardless of who says what or who has read what. Seems like you would be offering a Plaintiff attorney a blank check if you didn't adhere to the industry standard and "heaven forbid" someone had an anaphylactic reaction in the car on the way home. In a case like this the reaction might not even be caused by the injection but since you didn't watch them for the accepted amount of time - you take the responsibility. Just Sayin.....

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    • Experts

    I don't know that our facility has any policy. I've had patients assure me they were fine and bee-line out of there. I think I'll double-check for a policy and if there isn't one, bring it up with my colleagues. Thanks, OP for raising this important issue.

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    We make them wait 20 minutes at our Peds clinic

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