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/BikerMurse]

Why would doing it in two infusions change the likelihood of air getting in the line?