tips for a new lpn

[pachyta]

Hello from a new LPN:

I need some tips please...I'm currently working in a rehab nursing center for about a month and I have tons of questions...sorry for my ignorance but I'm a newbie in the field, appreciate the help..

1) Is it ok to rotate the sites (arms) to give a diabetic patient with a stroke his/her insulin shots?

2)Proper techniques to flush and give meds through a G-tube. Do I have to bend the tubing so no air can get in? or just close it everytime?

3) How to unclog a tube feeding due to the sticky formula?

4) How to organize de 2 med pass during evening shifts for 25 patients? 8 patients with accuchecks (1600 & 2000), 4 tube feedings, 7 crushed meds, plus regular meds...any tips? It seems that I can never finished on time on my shift from 2:30 pm to 10:30 pm...

thanks

[bluegeegoo2, LPN]

1) As far as I know.

2) I bend the tube to occlude it instead of recapping every time.

3) Warm water and patience. I "milk" the tube toward the stomach and push warm water and work it back and forth until it's patent. It can take forever it seems, but usually will unclog. Some folks use Coca-Cola, (it actually works) or diet cola for diabetics, but most facilities have policy on that sort of thing, so you may want to check it out first.

[peridotgirl]

Hello from a new LPN:

I need some tips please...I'm currently working in a rehab nursing center for about a month and I have tons of questions...sorry for my ignorance but I'm a newbie in the field, appreciate the help..

1) Is it ok to rotate the sites (arms) to give a diabetic patient with a stroke his/her insulin shots?

2)Proper techniques to flush and give meds through a G-tube. Do I have to bend the tubing so no air can get in? or just close it everytime?

3) How to unclog a tube feeding due to the sticky formula?

4) How to organize de 2 med pass during evening shifts for 25 patients? 8 patients with accuchecks (1600 & 2000), 4 tube feedings, 7 crushed meds, plus regular meds...any tips? It seems that I can never finished on time on my shift from 2:30 pm to 10:30 pm...

thanks

Hello to the OP, yes, It is perfectly alright to rotate injections on a diabetic pt. You do this to prevent lipodystrophy. Whenever possible, try to administer shots on the abd instead of the arms. I do not know if you should give an inj on the arm that is weak r/t stroke. Defitniley rotate sites though.

On a G-tube, I find it easier to bend the tube, so no air can get in nothing can escape. Do whatever is the easiest for you. As long as you get the job right and no harm results to the pt.

Your best bet to unclog a tube feeding after a forumla is to use water to flush. How much water depends on the Dr's order. Just "milk" the tube and it eventually unclogs. I have heard of using the Cocoa-Cola method.

For your last question, I can't help you with. I do hope that this was helpful and I wish you all the best in your career. :typing:caduceus:

[pachyta]

thank you very much..I will start doing what you told me..Appreciate your help!!! thanks a lot;)