Administering magnesium sulfate safely
Administering magnesium sulfate safely If your patient requires I.V. magnesium therapy, use caution when administering the drug because magnesium toxicity may occur. Follow these guidelines to ensure the patient’s safety…
Cervical ripening agents
Cervical ripening agents If a woman’s cervix isn’t soft and supple, a ripening agent may be applied to stimulate labor. Drugs containing prostaglandin E2, such as dinoprostone (Cervidil, Prepidil, Prostin…
I.M. injection sites
I.M. injection sites Deltoid If the volume to be administered is greater than 2 ml, don’t use this site. Dorsogluteal
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,…
