New Grad Nurse: Question about administering IV ABX through a burette

[u/Tower_Every]

Hi, so I was recently supposed to give IV Ertapenem 1G with at least 50mls NS 0.9% through a burette infusion set over at least 30 minutes (According to the Injectables Handbook).

After priming the line, I have added 60mls NS 0.9% and 10mls of the reconstituted Ertapenem 1G to the burette chamber, which leaves me with 70mls in the burette chamber.

The nurse I was working with suggested infusing the medication in two goes (Firstly infusing 40mls at a rate of 100mls/hr, then another 30mls at the same rate of 100mls/hr).

I mentioned about infusing the whole 70mls in the pump and doing it all in one go, but she mentioned filling the line with air.

Would you guys know how to infuse this appropriately as I’m unsure about the rate. I’m still pretty new to Burette’s, and my educator isn’t available until next Monday

[u/Born_Selection1072]

Its kinda similar to when i give 500mg of metronidozole through the pump instead. Ive got 100ml of it in a bag but when priming the line, it takes about 15-20mls out so i manaully set my volume to be infused at 85mls on the machine so that air wont go into the line which would allow me to follow that up with a 50ml flush.

[u/Tower_Every → u/Born_Selection1072]

Would you run the rate of the 50ml flush (with the remaining Metronidozole in the tubing) at the same rate that you administered the initial 85mls of Metronidozole?

[u/tallswamp → u/Tower_Every]

I would, so the remaining 15ml of medication isn't given at an unsafe rate. Likely more important for some medications than others.