CT Contrast Administration instructions

After much work, the process for CT techs to inform RN's how to administer contrast for CT exams will finally be changing as of Dec 9. In brief a potential patient safety issue was uncovered due to the current process for sending administration instructions.

Currently the instructions were sent to the RN when the ORDER for the CT was placed. The problem is, it is not always 100% accurate. If the instructions call for barium and a nursing communication is sent later by a tech that gastroview will be used, 2 seperate and conflicting messages are viewable in the KARDEX.

To resolve this a few changes will be made. Specific admin instructions will no longer be linked to the ORDER. Instead the message along with the order will read "Please refer to the MAR for adminstration instructions". Each tech will have a group of favorite contrasts saved which will have specific admin instructions. When the tech orders the contrast for the exam, the specific instructions will be viewable by the RN in the kardex and on the MAR. This way, a consistent message is retained throughout the patients record and there is less chance for confusion.

CT techs will be given instructions for saving their group of favorites, with appropriate admin instructions, early in December in preperation for this change on the 9th.

Thanks.