26,410 Posts
It should always be run at the rate that is listed on the IVBP unless there is specific reason or order not to. Running one IVPB at 250 ml/hr is not going to put anyone into failure. But the patient could run into more issues if they do not have enough of the antibiotic in their system to meet the trough requirements. And if you run it in slower, then they run the risk of getting overdosed as the dosing is based on it infusing at the rate that the pharmacy requests.
If the physician had specific concerns about the volume, they can always order for the IVPBs to be concentrated, etc.; or run in the minimum amount of fluid.
jeepgirl, LPN, NP
851 Posts
some antibiotics need to run in at a certain rate to reach a theraputic concentration in the blood stream / body. i would run at the recommended rates unless your supervising provider says otherwise OR someone who has authority and who is supervising - for instance, a Pharm D who is monitoring administration - says to slow down administration rates.