Does anyone have any experience with IV push medication and issues? Generally surrounding implementation of IV push antibiotics but also sometimes antiseizure medications and then having to reverse course? Positive vs negative experiences? What was learned? Is anyone having continuing issues with IV push and if so what are they?

In our infusion area we have heard complaints from patients about IV push diphenhydramine and/or dexamethasone being pushed too fast. After evaluation, the nurses are appropriately pushing over appropriate durations per the literature, but this often still feels too fast to the patient. Patients report drowsiness, lightheadedness, and restless leg when drugs are being administered. Some patients receive diphenhydramine as an IV piggyback which seems to help, but this is the exception not the rule.

I just wanted to ask how many of you have reviewed the ISMP new IV Push guidelines for adults and have implemented them into a policy and mandated education on these?

Sue Dill Calloway