Intravenous Medication Orders

Question:

In the past, we met PC.02.01.03 by adding automatic firing orders for venous access to all intravenous medication orders. Is IV contrast administration an exception to the rule for venous access orders?  Similarly, do we need an order for Foley Catheters?

Answer:

You do need an order for the IV access for IV contrast.  This can either be in the order for the test or can be in the written radiology protocol for the test.  The standard PC.01.03.01 EP 25 & 26 address the need for approved radiology protocols.  If you already have a solution and the IV access is in the order, just keep it there.

Regarding Foleys, there is a need for an order to insert the Foley unless it is done by the provider in surgery, or as part of a hospital approved protocol.  You can include in your protocol for Foley care actions that allows you to remove the Foley after x days.