Vitamin K - IV route & clarifications

[LovingNurse, BSN, RN]

!). I had an order for Vitamin K "Slow I.V. push" last night. Anyone else give it this route?

( Pt's INR was 4.8 )

2). When you clarify with pharmacist on meds (whether it be route, compatibility, dilution etc.) do you document anything on the MAR?

- I clarified this route with pharmacy and he said the literature on Vitamin K IV route is outdated and it is okay to use IV push - slowly.

-I always want to note on the MAR that I have clarified unusual orders... not only 'for the record' but also so the next nurse can see it was clarified in case she needs to do the same etc. My senior nursing partners say 'not necessary to document clarification, it's only "for your own piece of mind" - I say I want it for some CYA too - what say you guys?

[Babs0512]

I've never known Vit K to be given any way but IM - it has always been ordered that way, so I've never had any reason to clarify other routes. Now you have me curious, so I will have to look into it.

Blessings

[Babs0512]

According to the little of read on Vit K administration, the most typical routes are IV and Sub Q and oral. IM is not even mentioned. That is how I've always given it, per order.

It should be given IV, according to the literature, when bleeding is occurring, otherwise sub Q.

I guess I'll have to discuss this with our pharmacy for future reference.

Thanks

Blessings

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

I've given it IV and PO, never IVP.

[Jenn-eRN2008]

the new research shows that the best way to give vit k is po works better then iv or im

[CarrieH]

You're right to document everything... if some thing goes wrong, then you've documented that you double-checked an unusual order.

[LovingNurse, BSN, RN]

You're right to document everything... if some thing goes wrong, then you've documented that you double-checked an unusual order.

Thank you; it just seems to make more sense to document.

[Achoo!, LPN]

I have given it IV piggyback, but never push. Definately document everything.

[casperx875x]

I've given it SQ, PO and via IVP. It is a very slow push - if my memory serves me 1mg per 1-2 minutes. I once gave 10mg IVP for an INR of >14. I would document your clarification just to cover yourself in case questions come up later. Good call.

[mcknis]

I have given it IM and IVPB(30 mins), but never IVP. I would be cautious but you would be right in documenting it. Always chart to cover your butt no matter what!

[PsychNurseWannaBe, BSN, RN]

Whenever I have a patient whose INR is way too high. I place a vial of Vitamin K and a PO tablet in the med cart in case. I don't think it goes in the muscle d/t muscle injury and increased risk of bleeding. But before I would administer it, I would consult a med book

[WalkieTalkie, RN]

I've given it both ways, but when I give it IV, I put it on a syringe pump to run over about 30 minutes.