Small volume IVPB practices

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Katie Cassidy
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Joined: 10/06/2017 - 09:34
Small volume IVPB practices

Hi all,

I know this has been a frequent discussion topic for years, but my institution is once again reviewing our practices for IVPB medications given on primary vs. secondary line. My nursing colleagues are soliciting input on the following question:

When giving small-volume IVPBs (~50 mL or less) on a secondary line, after infusion is complete, there may be some residual drug in the secondary line. What is your procedure when IVPB has completed infusing? Do you flush the residual? What do you flush with? Do you have orders entered for this flush in your EHR or not?

(For additional background, our instruction uses Alaris pumps, our secondary sets ~ 12 mL fluid, primary sets ~25 mL fluid).

Any other related info would be welcomed also.

Thanks in advance!