How to Use an Alaris Infusion Pump

The Alaris infusion pump is designed to help nurses administer intravenous (IV) medications safely to their patients. It has features that control dosage to minimize the occurrence of human error as well as protocols that keep the entire process sanitary. Using the infusion pump is a process that nurses must master.

Instructions

• 1

  Turn the main machine on by pressing the "Power" button and holding it in for a few seconds. You'll have a primary machine and one or more separate pumps to operate with this system. The screen on the main machine will ask if you are working with a new patient; make the appropriate answer using the keys on the right side of the screen. When the screen asks for the Patient ID, look on your patient's code on her armband and enter it. Confirm the ID when asked.

• 2

  Move to the pump. Press "Menu" and choose the substance to run through the pump. When prompted, enter the rate of infusion and the VTBI (volume to be infused). Choose a volume smaller than your IV bag, so that when the volume runs out on the machine, you will hear an alert in more than enough time to replace the bag before the IV line goes dry.

• 3

  Press the "Silence" button on the main machine to keep the system from beeping while you're hooking the line up. The alerts are important for safety when you have a patient on the IV, but there are no safety concerns without a patient present.

• 4

  Flip up the lever on the right side of the pump you're going to use. Take the protective covering off the tubing and insert it into the open pump. Put the blue outlet plug at the bottom, inside the door, and the blue source plug in the slot at the top, and close the machine. Wait for the machine to check the line for air bubbles. When ready, the pump will glow green at the top.

• 5

  Press "Start" to begin the flow of the IV drip, and insert the IV into the patient's hand (or other location as appropriate).