Zosyn

Nurses Medications

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Hey everyone. Brand new RN here. Quick question. Does anyone have any advice for reconstituting zosyn into 100 mL of NS? I ran into the problem twice of the zosyn clumping at the bottom and I had to beat the side of the jar with my hand for about 5 minutes to finally get it to mix. Is there an easier way or is this just one of the many struggles we often deal with? Thank you in advance!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to pt meds

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Specializes in PACU, pre/postoperative, ortho.

That's just the nature of Zosyn; it's notorious for not being easy to mix. Just keep shaking it until all the clumps are gone. Allow yourself several minutes to mix before taking to the pt's room to administer.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

We get premixed bags from the manufacturer. Is that an option that could be explored?

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I wish... but at this time. no it isn't an option.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Pop the seal and flood the medication part- then walk away for about half an hour.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.
That's just the nature of Zosyn; it's notorious for not being easy to mix. Just keep shaking it until all the clumps are gone. Allow yourself several minutes to mix before taking to the pt's room to administer.

On top of giving myself a few minutes to mix the stuff, one thing I also do is tap the container to knock the powder loose. Once that's done, then I'll actually start mixing the stuff. Sure it takes a few minutes but at least by knocking the stuff loose you don't have to worry about those darned little clumps that just stick to the bottom...

Now ziprasidone... that stuff just takes forever. Order it stat and it'll be ready tomorrow. (At least it seems like it!)

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Specializes in retired LTC.
On top of giving myself a few minutes to mix the stuff, one thing I also do is tap the container to knock the powder loose. Once that's done, then I'll actually start mixing the stuff. Sure it takes a few minutes but at least by knocking the stuff loose you don't have to worry about those darned little clumps that just stick to the bottom...

This is the trick for just about ALL powder meds for reconstitution.

Always loosen up the powder first.

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Oh the joys of Zosyn (and Geodon)! Giving Geodon IM STAT really doesn't exist because it takes literally 10min to reconstitute :yawn:

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HA HA, I asked that same question to my DON first time I had to hang Zosyn. I was literally beating the palm of my and to death for a while to get all the clumps out. Apparently from what I was told that's just the way it is.

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Specializes in LTC Rehab Med/Surg.

I start shaking even before the diluent gets to the vial. A variant of the shake the powder first method.

It still takes a while, but getting the diluent to the bottom under the powder helps a little.

Mostly I just recognize I have Zosyn to hang, get it mixed early, and let it sit until I need it.

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Yes, once you've reconstituted it, put it in an inner pocket. Your body heat helps to dissolve the clumps and it works pretty quickly!!!

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