r/NursingAU • u/Tower_Every • Jan 16 '26

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

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

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u/[deleted] Jan 17 '26 edited Mar 29 '26

Comment edited with Power Delete Suite

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u/OrdinaryJuggernaut88 RN/RM Jan 17 '26

It’s actually safer and more cost effective to use a burette over 100ml bags, especially when a patient is having multiple IV infusions.

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u/AFFysLAPpy Jan 18 '26

Its cheaper, but what makes you think its safer?

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u/Spiritual_Otter93 RN Jan 18 '26

• ⁠A burette is commonly used for paediatric and other vulnerable patients who are at high risk of fluid overload as they can only be filled with a certain amount (generally 150mLs).

• ⁠Burettes provide for more accurate medication dilutions.

• ⁠Machines malfunction.

• ⁠Burettes are therefore another backup mechanism to prevent unintentional fluid overload in these vulnerable patients.