We are currently in the process of re-writing our outpatient infusion guidelines with respect to the assessment of vital signs before and after the administration of medications. We administer a large variety of IV medications but we also adminster many IM medications as well. Many of our IM medications are Vitamin B 12 injections and Avonex injections. Our IV infusions include series IV antibiotics, Remicade, IVIG, Venofer, Tysabri, etc. We always monitor vital signs on IV medications. However, we do have a large number of series antibiotic patients who we see daily for periods of up to 6 weeks. Here is my question: Are you doing vital signs before and after all medication administration regardless of the medication that is given? Are vital signs done before and after all IV antibiotics even when a series patient is seen daily for 6 weeks ? And what about IM medications such as vitamin b12? Do you do vital signs, give the injection and re assess vital signs? Looking for feedback and want to see what everyone else is doing. Thanks
Bev George
I would always take at least the before infusion vital signs, even for people seen daily for 6 weeks for antibiotics. You need to talk with a coder/biller. Depending on how you are billing there may be requirements for a basic assessment with each visit. Our rule was at least 1 set of v/s for each visit - even if we were giving B-12.
Hope this helps.
Gail McCarter, BSN,CRNI
Franklin, NH
I am administering venofer iv infusion. How often are vitals to be taken?