Q: How does an infusion pump work?
A: An infusion pump is a medical device that delivers fluids into a patient’s body in a controlled manner. It uses an electric motor and pump mechanism to push IV fluids through a tube and into a vein or area under the skin at a precise rate. Infusion pumps are often used to administer medications, chemotherapy drugs, pain management medications, and other IV fluids. They allow for very accurate dosing and can be programmed to deliver fluids at variable rates.
Q: How do I set up the infusion pump?
A: To set up an infusion pump:
- Attach the IV tube to the fluid bag and load the fluid bag on the IV pole.
- Attach the end of the IV tube to the appropriate catheter or needle in the patient.
- Attach the IV tube to the pump tubing and load the tubing into the pump according to the pump directions.
- Turn on the infusion pump and enter the prescribed fluid delivery rate or dosage into the pump controls.
- Start the infusion and monitor the patient to ensure proper operation.
- To stop the infusion, press the STOP or OFF button on the pump and properly dispose of any remaining fluid and waste.
Q: How do I program the infusion pump settings?
A: To program an infusion pump:
- Turn on the infusion pump. The main settings screen will appear.
- Select the mode you need, such as continuous infusion, PCA (patient-controlled analgesia), multi-step, etc. Follow the on-screen menu prompts to select your mode.
- Enter the infusion fluid, concentration, and volume using the number pad and menu options.
- Enter the prescribed rate of infusion in milliliters per hour (mL/hr) using the number pad.
- Enter the total infusion duration or volume to be infused. For a continuous infusion, you can select to run indefinitely.
- Review all settings on the summary screen and confirm they are correct. Then start the infusion.
- To make any changes, stop the infusion and enter the new settings following the previous steps. Always double check all settings before restarting the infusion.
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