Tricks for pushing D50 and Insulin through a line?

[kelleann]

Any tricks to pushing D50 and Insulin through a line? I had a patient with hyperkalemia and practically had to stand on the plunger to get it through the line. Anyone with any tricks out there? Thank you in advance.

[scrubsfan21]

Personally, I will mix a little sterile water in with the D50 solution in order to make it easier to push in and cause D50 is so harsh on the veins.

[kelleann]

thank you

[JayVArn]

It's specially designed to be hard to push in because "it" wants you to push it in slowly. Since it is so acidic it can cause serious damage if given rapidly. If you do a little bit at a time it should go in fine!