Nurses' Performance Regarding Infusion Pumps' Medication Administration among Critically Ill Patients

Abstract

An infusion pump is an electronic device used to deliver measured amounts at careful and regulated rates; it is operated by a trained user who programs the rate and duration of fluid delivery through a built-in software interface. Syringe pumps are the oldest established type of powered infusion devices, highly accurate and low volume devices particularly suitable for infusing at low flow rates. Infusion pumps have contributed to improvements in patient care, allowing for greater levels of control, accuracy and precision of drug delivery. Infusion pumps have been associated with a high rate of recalls and adverse events, resulting in patient injuries and deaths. Although some adverse events may be the result of user errors, many of the reported events are related to deficiencies in the device design and engineering. They highlight the importance of fully integrating infusion pumps into intravenous (IV) therapy training and assessment. Nurses have an important role in ensuring safety in the medication administration process; nurses have to identify the breadth of practices, education associated with administering of infusions in critical care units and potential patient safety issues related to IV pump infusions.