Description:

Every site will use slightly different infusion pumps, but they all operate on the same principles. The nurse will need to set and verify:

• Rate

• Volume

• Alarms

• Primary and Secondary Information

• Name of fluid infusing

• Units (ml/hr vs. mcg/hr)

The pump shown uses a casette system requiring the nurse to line up the casette correctly in order to start the infusion.  (Index)

Description:

An IV Piggyback (IVPB) setup, sometimes called a secondary infusion, is used to administer intermittent doses of IV medications such as K+ or antibiotics. The IVPB infusion volume and rate is set on the pump and the IVPB tubing is attached ABOVE the pump. Note that that primary infusion has been lowered, which will cause the pump to pull fluid from the IVPB bag. (Index)

Description:

An IV Syringe pump (IVSP) is used for the infusion of smaller doses of medications and medications prepared in a syringe (such as antibiotics and sedative infusions). The IVSP functions similarly to the infusion pump described above but has far fewer features. The IV syringe pump tubing may be directly attached to a clave port but for a needle-less port a clip-lock cannula is required. The IVSP tubing should be attached BELOW the IV pump if other fluids are infusing.

The IVSP shown allows for variable infusion settings.  

(Index)

Description:

Medications can be given by IV "push" through multiple ports and into a saline lock. It is important to assess what type of port the patient has at the end of the saline lock. This will determine the means of accessing the port to infuse the medication (i.e. clave vs. needle-less port). Depending on the situation, medications may be administered at the port closest to the patient or distant from the patient. Depending on the medication, it may need to be pushed slowly over a certain period of time or bolused quickly. (Index)