Infusion by Infusion Pump

Infusion by infusion pump is a method of delivering medications, electrolytes, nutrients, and other substances into the body through the intravenous route. This method allows for the precise, continuous, and safer administration of necessary substances compared to manual infusion.

What is Infusion? Why is Infusion Necessary?

Infusion is a medical treatment in which a special solution (called an infusion fluid) is directly introduced into the patient’s bloodstream through an IV line. This solution often contains water, electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium), nutrients (glucose, protein), and sometimes medications.

Today, infusion therapy is indicated in various situations, with the primary purposes being:

• Replenishing lost fluids: When the body loses too much water and electrolytes due to causes like diarrhea, vomiting, burns, blood loss, surgery, etc., infusion helps restore homeostatic balance.
• Providing nutrients: For patients unable to eat or drink normally, infusion provides the necessary energy and nutrients to sustain life.
• Treating electrolyte imbalances: When the blood’s electrolyte levels become imbalanced, infusion helps to correct them.
• Administering medication: Certain medications can be mixed into infusion fluids to treat specific medical conditions.

What is an Infusion Pump? The Role of Infusion Pumps in Healthcare

An infusion pump is a medical device used to deliver fluids, nutrients, or medications into a patient’s body at a precise rate and volume. This device ensures that the patient receives the correct amount of necessary substances over a specified period.

Infusion pumps work on the principle of using hydraulic or mechanical pressure to deliver fluids into the body steadily and accurately. A standard intravenous infusion pump typically includes the following components:

• Stand: Used to hold the infusion bag at a certain height, creating pressure to help the fluid flow down. The stand is usually made of metal or plastic and can be adjusted for height.
• Infusion tubing: Connects the infusion bag to the needle inserted into the patient’s vein. The tubing is usually made of flexible, soft plastic and includes segments such as clamps, filters, and connectors.
• Clamp: Adjusts the flow rate by tightening or loosening the tubing, typically placed near the needle.
• Filter: Removes foreign particles or debris in the infusion fluid, preventing them from entering the bloodstream. The filter is attached to the tubing near the infusion bag.
• Connectors: Ensure a tight seal between the pump components, typically made of plastic and available in various types.
• Infusion bag: Holds the fluid, medication, or nutrients, usually made of soft plastic and available in different volumes.

Infusion pumps play a crucial role in patient care and treatment, helping to:

• Precise control: Infusion pumps allow doctors and nurses to accurately control the amount and rate of fluid delivered, ensuring that patients receive the correct dosage of medication and nutrients.
• Continuous infusion: Pumps can deliver fluids continuously over an extended period, ensuring that patients always receive enough fluids and other essential substances.
• Safety: Infusion pumps are designed with multiple safety features, reducing the risk of issues such as infusing too quickly or too slowly, or administering the wrong fluid.
• Convenience: Infusion pumps make the infusion process more convenient, easing the burden on medical staff and providing greater comfort for patients.

Types of Infusion Fluids and Indications

Today, intravenous infusion pumps are used in various situations depending on the patient’s health condition. Doctors may prescribe IV infusion using a pump for cases such as:

• Patients needing fluid and electrolyte replenishment;
• Providing nutrients;
• Administering medications;
• Transfusing blood or blood products.

Note: IV infusion using a pump should only be performed with a specialist’s prescription and under the supervision of trained medical staff.

Infusion by Infusion Pump Procedure

The procedure for infusion by infusion pump is as follows:

1. Prepare the infusion pump, tubing, needle, alcohol wipes, sterile gloves, gauze, infusion bag, medications (if prescribed), and tray of instruments. Explain the procedure to the patient, position them comfortably, and measure pulse, blood pressure, and temperature.
2. Hand hygiene: Medical staff begins the process by thoroughly washing their hands with an antiseptic soap. This step is crucial to ensure hygiene and prevent infection in the patient.
3. Mix medications: If prescribed, medical staff will carefully mix the medication into the infusion bag according to instructions, ensuring precise dosage.
4. Connect: Once the infusion is ready, the medical staff will hang the infusion bag on the stand, connect the tubing to the bag and the infusion pump, and then purge all air from the tubing to avoid air bubbles entering the body.
5. Disinfect: Before inserting the needle, the injection site on the patient’s skin will be thoroughly disinfected, reducing the risk of infection when the needle is inserted.
6. Insert needle: The medical staff will insert the needle into the patient’s vein using aseptic techniques, ensuring the needle is positioned correctly and without causing harm. Once in place, the needle is connected to the tubing, completing the setup for infusion.
7. Adjust the pump: Next, the medical staff will set up the infusion pump, including setting the infusion rate according to the doctor’s prescription and configuring the total volume of fluid to be infused. This step ensures the patient receives the correct amount of fluid.
8. Start infusion: When everything is ready, the medical staff will press the “Start” button on the infusion pump to begin the process. During the infusion, staff will monitor the patient’s condition, including pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and the infusion site. They will also check if the infusion rate is steady and ensure the pump is functioning correctly.
9. Finish: When the infusion is complete, or per the doctor’s orders, medical staff will stop the pump, remove the needle from the vein, and apply pressure to the puncture site to prevent bleeding. Finally, they will collect and dispose of medical instruments according to regulations to ensure hygiene.

When performing infusion by pump, it is essential to follow the “5 Rights” principle: right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, and right time. Additionally, strict adherence to aseptic techniques is critical to prevent infection. Throughout the process, medical staff must closely monitor the patient to detect any complications such as anaphylactic shock, edema, or infection. All information related to the infusion process must be fully documented in the patient’s records to ensure accuracy and safety.