drug storage areas.
Here's just one exam-
ple of how easy it is
for problems to crop
up by not doing so: An
anesthesia provider
administers a dose of
undiluted phenyle-
phrine when he meant
to administer a dose
of intravenous
atropine because the 2
ampoules looked alike and were stored in adjacent locations.
Emergency/MH cart
Because you use your emergency/MH cart in high-pressure situations,
it's critical to make sure everything is exactly as it should be on a reg-
ular basis. At least monthly, rotating staff members should review the
cart contents to ensure widespread familiarity. During the review,
make sure all drugs are within the manufacturer's expiration date
(hint: purchase soon-to-expire drugs a month ahead). Your Medical
Executive Committee should approve (in writing) your official list of
cart contents. Security is paramount, but you'll want to use breakable
locks — as opposed to key locks. Keep replacement locks with man-
agers, not in the cart.
When stocking dantrolene on your MH cart, make sure you have a
minimum of 36 vials and at least 2400 mL of sterile water without pre-
servative (preferably in 100 mL vials, not large plastic bags). If you
use a newer product such as Ryanodex, ensure you have the correct
amount and diluent (osmag.net/tb3FMD). You'll also want to cross-
8 4 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • A P R I L 2 0 1 9
• UNDER THE MICROSCOPE With the opioid crisis putting facilities' controlled
substance protocols under the microscope, proper documentation is a must.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR
