An innovative method of administering i.v. medications to children

Intravenous medications, especially antibiotics, should be infused in a timely fashion, with minimal irritation to the vessel, with the least chance of infiltration, and without causing fluid overload. Nurses at one institution were concerned that the method they were using was not fulfilling these desired outcomes. Medications were not consistently being administered within the appropriate time frame (usually 30 to 60 minutes) and the possibility of fluid overload existed. Time that nurses spent administering and checking on the medication was excessive. After reviewing alternative methods, nurses implemented a method that uses syringe tubing. Advantages, disadvantages, and a guideline for use are described.