Embedded Files
Read
Read
Please ensure that you have completed the sharps safety page in conjunction with this page, click to complete here
Read the illustrated guide to setting up an intravenous infusion on ClinicalSkills.net here:
You will need to be logged into ClinicalSkills.net to use these pages: Go to ClinicalSkills.net, click login at the top, enter your user name and password. You must have set up your account to do this. For further information on how to login to your ClinicalSkills.net account please click here: How to Login to ClinicalSkills.net
Priming and Connecting an Infusion Set
You might want to read more about calculating the correct infusion rate for a particular fluid or medication. The link below from ClinicalSkills.net describes how to calculate the rate required and then how to set this correctly for a manual flow control device (e.g. fluid bag and giving set) using the drops per minute method, or more accurately using an infusion pump which delivers a flow rate with precision:
Intravenous Infusions - Calculating Rates
You might also wish to read more about the range and variety of different types of infusion pumps and devices available in practice to administer intravenous infusions. Click on the link below for more information:
Watch
Watch
Here is an example of the process of setting up an IV infusion for a patient
Here is an example of the process of setting up an IV infusion for a patient using an automated pump. Note that this is the Alaris SE IV pump but there are many different pumps available, so you will need to have familiarisation on the one you use in any placement or work setting.
Practice
Practice
Why not have a go at going through the process of setting up an infusion pump or syringe pump using the online virtual training package from BD. You can setup an account to access the e-learning by clicking the link HERE. At the bottom of the page click 'register yourself'. Once you've created an account and logged in you'll then be able to select which pump to have a go at - syringe pump or infusion pump. The video guides will take you through the step by step setup of these.
Check your Knowledge
Check your Knowledge
Click on the button below to navigate to the 'Take a Test' area of ClinicalSkills.net. Please make sure you're logged into ClinicalSkills.net already, otherwise you may not be able to open and take the test. Once you have reached the 'Take a Test' area, select 'Local Tests' and then click on the test called 'Infusion Rate Calculations', Intravenous Infusions - Primining and Connecting and Infusion Set', Intravenous Infusions - ProblemSolving' and Intravenous Infusions - Pumps and Devices' to begin. You will need to score 80% or more to pass. Make sure you've read the ClinicalSkills.net procedure thoroughly before taking the test as many of the answers will be found within there!
Other Materials
Other Materials
Royal Marsden Manual of Clinical Procedures (9th Edition): Intravenous injections and infusions- Page 615- 636
Date reviewed:
Next review: August 2023
Page updated
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