Dosing Weights For Continuous Infusions

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Wed, 09/20/2023 - 08:30

Morgan Schrage

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Last seen: 4 months 4 days ago

Joined: 08/30/2023 - 12:17

Dosing Weights For Continuous Infusions

Our current process for weight-based infusions is to use the current weight documented at the time the weight-based infusion is ordered. This leads to different weights for different infusions based on when the infusion is ordered during the admission. We have recently discovered that the weight is rarely updated when a new weight-based infusion is added to the pump. Leading to a discrepancy in the actual total amount of drug infusing versus what is being documented in the chart. Curious if anyone can provide insight on their current practice, specifically:

For dosing of weight-based drips:

1. Do you use a specified dosing weight? Why or why not?

If dosing weight is used,

2. What is the dosing weight you use? Dry weight? Admission weight?

3. Do you consider there to be a difference in dry weight vs dosing weight?

4. How do you communicate the weight that is being used to other pharmacists/providers/nurses?

5. Where is this weight entered into Epic?

6. Can this weight be changed?

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