Setting up an Infusion Flashcards
1
Q
How do you initiate the procedure?
A
- gather equipment
- introduce self
- identify patient
- explain and consent - in this procedure I will be attaching a drip bag to your cannula to give you some fluids, is this okay?
- allergies?
2
Q
What equipment is required?
A
- Patient’s fluid prescription chart
- 500ml bag of sodium chloride 0.9%
- Intravenous infusion set ‘giving set’
- Drip stand
- Clinell wipe
- Non-sterile gloves and apron
- 0.9% sodium chloride ampoule for flush
- 5ml syringe
- Infusion rate calculation sheet
3
Q
How do you give an infusion?
A
- Check the fluid prescription chart to establish the fluid to be infused, the volume of fluid to be given, the rate at which it will be given, and the time and date of the prescription. Make sure that the prescription is signed and dated.
- Collect the fluid and check it against the prescription chart ensuring that you have the correct fluid and that it is within the expiry date.
- Check the fluid for any discolouration, cloudiness or presence of particulate matter. If any of these are observed then the fluid should not be used and be discarded.
- Use alcohol gel to clean hands
- Don gloves and apron
- Remove infusion bag from outer plastic covering and check for any signs of leakage or puncture. Do not use fluid if there is any moisture present on inner surface of the outer plastic covering as this indicates that the bag may have leaked.
- Check the packaging of the intravenous administration set for any damage. Ensure that it is not open and check the expiry date on the package.
- Open the intravenous administration set. Uncoil the set and check for any kinks in the tubing or damage. Close the roller clamp on the giving set fully.
- Remove the seal from the entry port on the infusion bag aseptically. Carefully remove the protective cover form the spike on the giving set. Make sure that you do not touch the spike on the giving set.
- Using a twisting action, insert the spike in the entry port on the infusion bag aseptically make sure that you do not touch the spike on the giving set. Touching the spike will contaminate the circuit. Should you contaminate the spike, discard the giving set and start again with a new giving set.
- Place the infusion bag on a drip stand.
- Gently squeeze the drip chamber until the fluid level reaches the half way mark.
- Loosen the cap slightly to the end of the giving set ensuring that you maintain an aseptic technique at all times.
- Open the roller clamp and observe as the fluid descends through the tube. This step will prime the line expelling any air bubbles present inside the giving set. Close the roller clamp once all air bubbles are expelled and fluid is dripping out.
- Replace the cap on the end of the giving set. This will help maintain asepsis until the line is connected to the cannula.
- Ensuring the patency of the cannula by flushing the cannula with 5mls of sodium chloride.
- Check name and expiry date on the saline ampoule.
- Draw the saline into a 5ml syringe using an aseptic technique.
- Clean the cannula injectable bung, wipe the connector with a clinell wipe and allow it to dry naturally. Flush the cannula with 0.9% saline flush.
- Clean bung and connect the giving set to the cannula.
- If desired, secure the giving set to the patient using tape. Inquire from the patient if they have any allergies to tape.
- Look at the back of the giving set package to find out the number of drops that will constitute 1ml of fluid, calculate the desired flow rate (500ml/hour). To calculate the flow rate for the infusion:
- Volume/Time (hours) X Drops per ml/60 - Commence infusion at the prescribed rate. Adjust the roller clamp to obtain the desired number of drops per minute in the drip chamber.
4
Q
How do you finish the procedure?
A
- Check the patient’s welfare. Request them to inform the staff members if they feel any discomfort, pain or swelling around the cannula
- Remove gloves and apron
- Thank the patient.
