Preparing To Administer Intravenous Solutions Essays Examples

On behalf of the administration and nursing staff at [Name-Medical Center], we are pleased to welcome you as a member of our progressive and innovative healthcare team. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care to those seeking treatment at [Name-Medical Center]. The well-being and health of our clients is of the utmost importance. It is for this reason that the following policies have been included in this Welcome Manual, and can be found in the Policies and Procedures Manual, as well.
Preventing the risk of harm or detriment to the patient is paramount. Avoiding errors when administering intravenous (“IV”) solutions and medications is crucial in the ensuring the safety and care of our patients. It is equally important that such procedures be carried out in a timely and efficient manner, and with minimal discomfort and inconvenience to the client. The following will provide newly hired nursing personnel with a systematic, step-by-step, and chronological process in order to meet the above objectives successfully.
First, you are to advise the patient/client that his or her physician has indicated they are to receive an intravenous transfusion. Answer any and all questions or concerns, and ascertain that the client is agreeable to the procedure.
Next, it is imperative that you verify the physician’s orders regarding the type of fluid and/or medication to be delivered, the amount of fluid and/or medication to be administered, and the delivery rate (for example, 200 ml/hr.), of the solution(s) to be dispensed. This step will be performed three times, under the supervision of your Charge Nurse or next immediate supervisor. It will be documented on the checklist provided and signed by the Charge Nurse or supervisor. This process will be necessary until your supervisor has confirmed your proficiency to verify orders without supervision.
The following step is critical. Examine the patient’s record to detect any allergies or possible contraindications to the solution or medication to be administered. For instance, if the patient is diabetic, a solution including dextrose may not be appropriate. In such a case, you are to confirm the order with the physician. Prior to the procedure, you must consult the patient regarding allergies and/or other health conditions. This step is required in order to confirm that such information has not been overlooked.
Next, gather all the required equipment and supplies before attempting to initiate the treatment. This includes the infusion pump, the solution(s) ordered, IV catheters, tubing, tourniquets, betadine and alcohol swabs, gloves, and anchoring devices such as tape, arm boards, coban, wrapping gauze, etc. Every unit will possess at least three “IV caddies” that include the majority of the necessary supplies. Be anticipatory. Do not assume that you may not need any or all of this equipment. Check to make sure you have all the supplies required. This will alleviate the need to return to the supply or medicine room to retrieve necessary materials.
No intravenous solution or medication will be administered without the use of an infusion pump. All efforts are made to ensure that an adequate supply of infusion pumps are available on all units. If you encounter difficulty in obtaining a pump, you must notify your supervisor immediately. You are not to proceed with the process until an infusion pump has been obtained. THERE IS NO EXCEPTION TO THIS POLICY.
Finally, once treatment has been initiated, clear and concise documentation of the procedure will be recorded in the patient’s record. This will include the type and gauge of catheter or needle used, the location of the venipuncture, the type and amount of solution(s) administered, the rate of infusion, and the patient’s toleration of the procedure.
You will be provided with checklists to assist you in accomplishing the processes described above. Please familiarize yourself with all policies and procedures. It is our hope that the above standards will assist you in becoming a valuable member of our nursing team.