Volume to be infused confusion/ common IV push meds

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Nov 6, 2006

I know I may be making this harder than I should but for ex. if a doc. order for LR @ 80cc/hr to go over 15 mins or 30 mins, how much vol. to be infused should be set on the pump, I'm thinking 60/15 = 4 x 80 is 320 cc is to be infused, for 60/30 = 2 x 80 is 160 cc to be infused correct???? Is there a quicker or more exact way to do this??

I don't have a clue as to your mathematical method. Sounds more like a drip rate calculation.

The pump would be set at 80cc/hr with the volume set for 20cc (15 mins) or 40cc (30 mins) but I'll doubt you'll ever see an order like that. In 31 years I haven't.

Also, what are some common IV push meds (phernagan, morphine) fluld compatiabilites ?
Also, how fast should they be pushed, is there a helpful quick resource I could find these?

You would need to look each individual medication up in a drug reference book. 99.9% of IV meds are compatible with the common IV fluids. Each drug has its own push rate and amount in which it should first be diluted. Doing these repeatedly is the only way to quickly know. I looked each one up before administering, wrote down all the particulars in a notebook and kept it in my pocket until I no longer needed it. I still keep it in my locker just in case.

ginger58, ASN, RN · Nov 14, 2006

There's something wrong with the way you're stating the order. Could you please clarify it for us? What volume does he want infused in 15 or 30 minutes? That order would have to be clarified.