Infusion Setup

Question 1

Preparation for infusion

• patient
• cannula

Answer 1

Introduce self
Bring drug chart
Explain procedure, consent
Check allergies

Check for signs of phlebitis
-pain, redness, swelling, signs of infection
Ask supervisor to clean cannula access point, flush with saline => look out for swelling or pain

Question 2

Preparation for infusion

• prescription
• cannula site
• drug and diluent
• bag

Answer 2

Check prescription

• patient ID
• allergies recorded
• signed by doctor

Check medication on drug chart

• correct drug, patient, route, dose, time/frequency
• other medications that have been given PRN

Check infusion kit

• correct drug, dose, diluent, EXP => check with supervisor
• correct infusion rate => check with supervisor
• ensure kit is all compatible

Question 3

Construction of infusion

Answer 3

Connect giving set to bag
Prime the line
-use roller flow control clamp, ensure fluid is higher than giving set
-flick air bubbles out the line

Select to use gravity feeding or pump (depends on medication)

Question 4

How would you gravity feed?

Answer 4

Calculate drip rate = rate of infusion

-volume in drops/time in mins = drips per min

Question 5

How would you pump infuse

Answer 5

Turn pump on
Input volume of infusion, rate of infusion and time in minutes
Use drug library on infusion pump if available
Ensure settings are correct => check with supervisor