If the drug has an antidote, know its location and dosage. If the drug has no antidote, be familiar with what supportive measures you should initiate to minimize adverse reactions. You may need to monitor drug levels for medications such as digoxin or phenytoin to ensure that dosages are therapeutic but not toxic. Mrs. Blumstein, for example, has daily laboratory studies to monitor her electrolyte and digoxin levels while she's N.P.O. and receiving I.V. push furosemide and digoxin. Your patient may experience pain or irritation at the site during administration of an I.V. push drug.
Several causes are possible.
The drug may be irritating, the increased pressure may cause pain, or a combination of the two may be to blame. To relieve the patient's discomfort, dilute the medication and slow the push rate. Or, if possible, administer by infusion. For example, you may need to ask the physician to change an order for I.V. push morphine to a morphine drip. Your patient may develop a venous or arterial spasm.