1
Chapter 15 Intravenous Flow Rates
Infusion of IV Fluids and Medications by IV Pump
What are aspects of IV pumps and electronic devices used for infusing medications?
Health care professionals are sometimes required to infuse medications using an IV pump or electronic
device. IV pumps vary from simple one-channel models to four multichannel pumps.
Aspect Details
Purpose Helps control IV flow rates
Ensures safety for the patient
Programmed to deliver a set amount of fluid per hour
Application Pumps are used for patients in:
Regular medical-surgical units
Critical care areas
Pediatrics
Operating room
Ambulatory care settings
Advantages of Newer models can calculate flow rates and automatically start infusions later.
Modern Pumps Other benefits of using modern pumps include:
Convenience
Safety
Accuracy
Time saving
The Medley Medication Safety System (Figure 15-6) is a modern pump with software that:
Allows each facility to program safeguard information for medications to prevent medication
errors
Sends a visual or audible alert if the health care professional sets an unsafe rate, dose, or duration
,2
, 3
How is the flow rate of IV fluids and medications infused by a pump calculated using dimensional
analysis? (Example 1)
Example 1: Infuse 1000 mL of lactated Ringer’s solution (LR) over 12 hours. How many mL/h should
the IV pump be programmed for?
How is the flow rate of IV fluids and medications infused by a pump calculated using dimensional
analysis? (Example 2)
Example 2: Cefazolin 1 g dissolved in 50 mL of D5W is ordered to be infused over 30 minutes. The
medication may be given using an IV pump. How many milliliters per hour should the IV pump be
programmed to infuse the Kefzol over 30 minutes?
Chapter 15 Intravenous Flow Rates
Infusion of IV Fluids and Medications by IV Pump
What are aspects of IV pumps and electronic devices used for infusing medications?
Health care professionals are sometimes required to infuse medications using an IV pump or electronic
device. IV pumps vary from simple one-channel models to four multichannel pumps.
Aspect Details
Purpose Helps control IV flow rates
Ensures safety for the patient
Programmed to deliver a set amount of fluid per hour
Application Pumps are used for patients in:
Regular medical-surgical units
Critical care areas
Pediatrics
Operating room
Ambulatory care settings
Advantages of Newer models can calculate flow rates and automatically start infusions later.
Modern Pumps Other benefits of using modern pumps include:
Convenience
Safety
Accuracy
Time saving
The Medley Medication Safety System (Figure 15-6) is a modern pump with software that:
Allows each facility to program safeguard information for medications to prevent medication
errors
Sends a visual or audible alert if the health care professional sets an unsafe rate, dose, or duration
,2
, 3
How is the flow rate of IV fluids and medications infused by a pump calculated using dimensional
analysis? (Example 1)
Example 1: Infuse 1000 mL of lactated Ringer’s solution (LR) over 12 hours. How many mL/h should
the IV pump be programmed for?
How is the flow rate of IV fluids and medications infused by a pump calculated using dimensional
analysis? (Example 2)
Example 2: Cefazolin 1 g dissolved in 50 mL of D5W is ordered to be infused over 30 minutes. The
medication may be given using an IV pump. How many milliliters per hour should the IV pump be
programmed to infuse the Kefzol over 30 minutes?
