Question

11:14 pm 44% 20 Answer the following questions 20.1) The instructions supplied for a particular IV antibiotic advise reconstitution with 10ml Normal Saline. However, the drug room has run out of vials of Normal Saline, can sterile water was used instead? Feedback 20.2) You have been asked to administer an IV medication using a Burette. Outline the 8 steps of medication administration.

Answer 1

Question 20.1

Use of sterile water instead of pre-packaged saline for reconstitution of antibiotics may present some issues,

· Sterile distilled water may contain pyrogens and other nonviable particles that may be harmful if administered.

· As the water used may contain contaminants that exceed specific limits, and as a result may lead to health problems, for which antibiotic may be mistakenly blamed for, and as a result, the patient would be advised to stop using the antibiotics.

· There is much differences in types of water and differences in the terms used, like distilled water, sterile water and lack of awareness regarding this may creates confusion over which water is appropriate for reconstitution of the antibiotics

Hence it is recommended to use the pre-packaged saline only for reconstitution of antibiotics to avoid any confusion and health issues.

Q.20.2

Administration of intravenous medication using a burette

The administration of intravenous medication using a burette combines the skills and practices of intravenous fluid administration and preparation of intravenous medications. This mode is best suitable for-

· intermittent administration of intravenous medication requiring a longer period of delivery than a bolus administration.

· It minimises damage to the person’s veins resulting from irritating medications and

· It limits potential toxicity from medications administered too quickly within the time constraints of nursing staff when the bolus method is used.

INFUSION VIA THE GIVING SET BURETTE

1. Ensures burette is able to accommodate the volume of medication to be injected.

(The volume in the burette should be less than the calculated volume to be infused per hour or as prescribed). Also ensures the airway to the burette is open.

2. Swabs the injection access port on the burette with an alcohol swab.

3. Attaches syringe with medication to the injection access port on the giving set using an aseptic technique.

4. Injects the medication into the burette. After that detach and discard syringe.

5. Fills burette to the required hourly volume for administration.

6. Attaches a correctly completed additive label to the burette.

7. Calculates and commences infusion at the correct infusion rate.

8. Monitors patient and checks that the volume of medication has been infused within the recommended time frame.

Also ensure 8 rights of Medication Administration

1. Right patient

2. Right medication

3. Right dose

4. Right route

5. Right time

6. Right documentation

7. Right rationale of giving medication

8. Right response