Just wondering, I have heard of a few coworkers putting the cardiac monitor on when giving acetaminophen and ibuprofen and others are not putting it on. I was under the impression that the monitor had to be on prior to giving medications. Is this a must or not?

The administration of medication does not itself require cardiac monitoring. The BLS-PCS outlines which call types and situations require initiation of cardiac monitoring.  This includes but is not limited to: Abnormal vital signs per the ALS-PCS (including tachycardia, which can be seen with pain), or if the patient is exhibiting signs or symptoms of cardiovascular, respiratory or neurological compromise. Please see the BLS-PCS for full details.Cardiac Monitoring, Patient Assessment Standard, BLS-PCS, Analgesia, Medication Administration

So, if your patient does not meet the conditions, per the BLS-PCS for cardiac monitoring, you are not required to initiate cardiac monitoring when administering medication. However, it is still prudent to complete a full pre-and post-treatment set of vital signs after your management.

Analgesia,Pain/Sedation/Nausea

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