|  | Conditions Treatments | Illness

How to Use Lactated Ringers

Lactated Ringer's is a sterile mixed solution of water and electrolytes that is administered intravenously. Its purpose is to prevent the fluid and electrolyte deficiency that can result from myriad health ailments. The amount of solution prescribed is based on the patient's condition, the estimated amount of fluid lost and the urgency of its replacement.

Things You'll Need

  • Lactated Ringer's
  • IV setup
  • Doctor's orders
  • Patient
Show More

Instructions

  1. Preparing for Lactated Ringer's Administration

    • 1

      Recognize the conditions for which Lactated Ringer's is most commonly used. These include accident or medically induced trauma, blood or fluid loss, burn injury or renal failure. Lactated Ringer's is also used as an administrative source for the delivery of certain types of drugs such as pain medications, chemotherapy drugs and long-term antibiotics.

    • 2

      Evaluate the solution to be administered. Make sure warnings and precautions are appropriately noted, along with contents, mixture, dosage and delivery instructions. Cross-check with the patient's name and the doctor's orders. Also check for solution clarity as well as leaks, discarding any that don't meet the prescribed norms.

    • 3

      Check any drugs that are to be added to the solution against the doctor's orders. Ensure that a negative interaction is unlikely to take place between the drugs and the solution as well as against any drug the patient may already be taking, as noted on the patient's chart.

    • 4

      Memorize the solution's typical side effects. These include minor pain at the injection site, redness and minor swelling around the IV. Ascertain how to handle such effects if the patient should exhibit them.

    • 5

      Note any of the solution's potential serious side effects. These may include fever, headache, major swelling and trouble breathing. Determine the proper steps to take should the patient exhibit them.

    Administering the Lactated Ringer's Solution

    • 6

      Wash hands thoroughly and use only approved aseptic procedures.

    • 7

      Prepare the solution for administration according to its delivery instructions. Make sure the flow control clamp is closed before setting up the IV set. Then push the pin into the proper port, being sure to twist it securely into place to prevent leakage.

    • 8

      Hang the solution bag as directed. Make sure it is suspended properly so there is an unobstructed flow of fluid from the bag to the patient.

    • 9

      Eliminate all air bubbles from the delivery tube. Do not continue the hookup process until the fluid is flowing properly.

    • 10

      Attach the solution to the patient's IV device. Make sure it is secure and that there is no blood backing up into the device.

    • 11

      Start the infusion, watching to make certain the solution is flowing properly. Set it at the drip speed directed by the delivery instructions. Adjust the drip as needed anytime during the solution's administration to be sure the solution is properly delivered.

Illness - Related Articles