l. Special Means Used for Infants and Children.
(1) The specialist may be required to wheel a small child or an infant in a
pediatric crib or a bassinet. When using either of these methods, two specialists may
be required, as cribs and bassinets are quite awkward to handle.
(2) Tiny infants may be brought to the OR in an incubator. An incubator
(see figure 3-6) is a small crib unit equipped with an inlet for oxygen, a mechanism for
supplying heat, and a temperature-regulating mechanism. The incubator is mounted on
a wheeled stand. Oxygen may be supplied by means of either a small cylinder or a
large cylinder and is piped into the incubator through a tube. If the oxygen is to be kept
running during transport, the specialist must check the liter flow gauge both before and
during transit.
Figure 3-6. Infant incubator.
3-12. THE IDENTIFICATION AND USE OF DRUGS
a. Discussion. The improper identification, administration, or use of drugs may
endanger the life of a patient. This improper handling of drugs includes such hazards
as giving a patient a wrong drug, giving an inaccurate dosage of the right drug, and
failing to take appropriate precautions when extremely dangerous drugs (such as
phenol and cocaine) are to be used. The specialist may avoid such errors by following
the safety rules set forth below.
b. Reading the Label. The specialist preparing the drug should read the label
on the vial, ampoule, or bottle three times--when taking the drug from its storage place,
when ready to pour or withdraw the drug, and just before either discarding the drug
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