Nursing Responsibilities for IV 💉
IV labetalol is commonly used to control severe hypertension in emergencies. Nurses must monitor the patient closely to ensure safe blood pressure reduction.
1. Assess Blood Pressure and Pulse
- Check blood pressure and heart rate before giving the drug.
- Monitor BP every 5–10 minutes during IV administration.
- Do not give if:
- Systolic BP is too low
- Pulse < 60 bpm (as per hospital protocol).
2. Continuous Cardiac Monitoring
- Attach the patient to ECG monitoring if available.
- Observe for bradycardia or arrhythmias.
3. Monitor for Hypotension
- Watch for symptoms such as:
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Fainting
- Keep the patient lying down during administration to prevent sudden BP drop.
4. Monitor Respiratory Status
- Use caution in patients with or .
- Observe for wheezing or breathing difficulty.
5. Observe IV Site
- Ensure the IV line is patent.
- Monitor for pain, swelling, or infiltration at the injection site.
6. Monitor Urine Output
- Check urine output to assess kidney perfusion, especially in hypertensive emergencies.
7. Assess Neurological Status
Important in patients with:
Monitor:
- Level of consciousness
- Pupillary response
- Headache or confusion
8. Patient Safety
- Assist patient when getting out of bed because of risk of orthostatic hypotension.
- Keep fall precautions in place.
9. Documentation
Record:
- Time and dose of drug
- Blood pressure and pulse before and after administration
- Patient response
- Any adverse reactions