Giving IV medicines by injection

 

Also see — Putting in IV cannula

Attention

  • Do not give medicine if cannula site painful, red, swollen — re-site cannula
  • Always refer to Australian Injectable Drugs Handbook
  • Some IV medicines should be given very slowly — check before use

What you need

  • Infusion bag — if used, connect to primed IV line
  • Paediatric chamber OR in-line burette if needed
  • Infusion pump (if required)
  • Medicine prepared correctly in syringe or infusion bag
    • Medicine label — to be put on infusion bag
  • IV flush (usually normal saline)
  • Needles OR connections that go into IV bung (if needed)
  • Chlorhexedine 2% in isopropyl alcohol 70% wipes

What you do

  • Before giving medicine — check person ID
  • Always check file notes, ask person about allergies or adverse reactions
  • Remember the RIGHTS before giving any medicine
  • Always check manufacturer's instructions
  • If giving medicine directly into IV cannula
    • Clean bung with chlorhexidine 2% in isopropyl alcohol 70% wipe for 30 seconds, let dry
    • Flush IV cannula with normal saline for patency
    • Give prepared medicine according to manufacturer’s instructions
    • Monitor for reactions to medicine or pain around cannula. If either happen — stop immediately
    • Flush IV to clear cannula of medicine
  • If giving medicine into infusing line
    • Find IV bung on IV line
    • Clean bung with chlorhexidine 2% in isopropyl alcohol 70% wipe for 30 seconds, let dry
    • Give prepared medicine according to manufacturer’s instructions using infusion pump or burette if required
    • If using paediatric chamber — set infusion rate you need, label chamber with medicines
    • Monitor for reactions to medicine or pain around cannula. If either happen — stop immediately
    • When finished — take needle/connection out of bung
    • Restart IV slowly to flush, then return to infusion rate needed
  • If giving medicine as IV infusion
    • Clean bung with chlorhexidine 2% in isopropyl alcohol 70% wipe for 30 seconds, let dry
    • Flush IV for patency
    • Connect new primed IV line attached to infusion bag
    • Put medicine label on infusion bag
    • Give prepared medicine according to manufacturer’s instructions using infusion pump or burette if required
    • Monitor for reactions to medicine or pain around cannula. If either happen — stop immediately
    • When finished, remove IV line, if required
    • Flush IV to clear cannula of medicine