vitamin k injection in adults

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What is the best gauge needle to use in Vitamin K injections in adults? Does the medication have a thicker viscosity?

Specializes in CEN, CPEN, RN-BC.

Are you talking about IM, SQ, IV? If IV, don't do it! Either refuse, or dilute it in a mini bag and run over 15-30 minutes.

Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

This information is easily researched via Google........

Eat more yogurt :) Making sure indigenous microbial flora is adequate will boost vit K as it is mainly the bacteria that produce it ;) no shots required....now I guess for someone with intestinal issues then its a different ball game yes?

I am talking about IM..although I know you can do it sub-q, however, IM seems the best route to go. I am still learning my needle gauges and the viscosities of medications. The worst thing to do is used too small of a gauge and have a high viscosity med..I have been lucky enough to not have done that but have witnessed it with other nurses. And, in regards to IV..yes, dilute..its for more extreme cases. Thanks all for your input!! Your the best for new nurses :)

Specializes in Family NP, OB Nursing.

First, the best route for Vit K is oral if possible. It lowers INR just as fast as IV. Second, I never order it IM if I'm ordering injected. It's sub-Q, except for newborns then IM and as far as viscosity, it's watery and in newborns it's usually given with a 25ga needle and tuberculin syringe. In adult I'd use a regular 21ga needle of the appropriate length if I was giving IM.

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
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