Subcutaneous injections
Subcutaneous injections Before giving the injection, elevate the subcutaneous tissue at the site by grasping it firmly, as shown at right. Insert the needle at a 45- or 90-degree angle…
Mixing insulin
Mixing insulin When mixing insulin, always draw up clear insulin first, then cloudy. To mix insulin, follow these steps: Wipe the rubber top of the insulin vials with alcohol. Gently…
Insulin overview
Insulin overview Insulin type Onset Peak Usual effective duration Usual maximum duration Animal Regular 0.5-2 hr 3-4 hr 4-6 hr 6-8 hr NPH 4-6 hr 8-14 hr 16-20 hr 20-24…
Transfusion reactions
Transfusion reactions Reaction and causes Signs and symptoms Allergic Allergen in donor blood Donor blood hypersensitive to certain drugs Anaphylaxis (chills, facial swelling, laryngeal edema, pruritus, urticaria, wheezing), fever, nausea,…
Blood products
Blood products Blood component Indications Packed RBCs Same RBC mass as whole blood but with 80% of the plasma removedVolume: 250 ml Inadequate circulating red cell mass Symptomatic deficiency of…
Tips for high-risk drips
Tips for high-risk drips Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), heparin, and insulin infusions can be especially dangerous if administered incorrectly. If possible, have another nurse independently check the practitioner’s order, your calculations,…
Troubleshooting I.V. pump alarms
Troubleshooting I.V. pump alarms A number of electronic devices are available that assist the nurse in controlling the rate and volume of solution infusion. The most common device is an…
Calculating drip rates
Calculating drip rates When calculating the flow rate of I.V. solutions, remember that the number of drops required to deliver 1 ml varies with the type of administration set. To…
Local complications of peripheral I.V. lines
Local complications of peripheral I.V. lines Type Finding Intervention Phlebitis Tenderness at site Redness at tip of catheter and along vein Remove device. Apply warm soaks. Notify practitioner. Infiltration (nonvesicant…
Starting an I.V. infusion
Starting an I.V. infusion Getting ready Use the largest vein and the smallest gauge catheter. Apply a tourniquet 4″ to 6″ (10 to 15.5 cm) above the puncture site. Leave…
