Topic of the Day: Nursing Implications

Again pulling from Mosby’s Memory Cards

Nursing Implications -

Only administer medications you prepared.Read medications label carefully, not all formulations of parenteral* medications are appropriate for IV administration (e.g.. regular insulin for IV use.)Know your medications – Why is the patient receiving this medication? What nursing observations will tell you the desired medication action is occurring? What are the nursing implications to this medication?Do not leave medications at the bedside.Check medication compatibility if administering IV.Medications prepare for one route may differ in concentration for another route (e.e. epinephrine SC is concentrated; whereas IV preparation is diluted)   Administering an SC epinepherine preparation IV could be fatal before of an overstimulation of the cardiac system.Always check the patient’s armband before administering any type of medication.Have another nurse check medication calculationsIM injections — Do not inject more than 3ml at one time/ Use the smallest needle necessary to administer medication correctly.

*injected into blood or body tissues IV**, IM** or SC**   (**See yesterday’s post  for  what these abbreviations definitions)

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