Use Extreme Caution With Iv Pumps Please

[fedupnurse]

Recently the staff on my unit have noticed that our Gemini 4 channel pumps are alfunctioning in a frightening way. When you program one channel and press enter for that channel, the rate and VTBI jump over to another channel. I had a colleague come into my patients room and ask me to come and help him with the pump. I did as he instructed on the pump on channel C and when I pressed enter, the rate and VTBI jumped to channel A. Frankly I hink every one of these pumps should have been pulled and replaced with new pumps. They are approximately 7 or 8 years old.

So please, I know we are all frazzled at work but take that extra second to ensure that the right channel has the right rate and VTBI each time you manipulate the pump and each time you walk into the patients room. I know this is already common practice for most of us seasoned veterans but it may not be for some who are new to our profession.

[shay]

We RARELY use the 4 chamber pumps, but use the 2 chamber pumps ALL THE TIME...almost every day. I haven't noticed any probs, have you?

Y'all should notify the co. and see if they can issue a recall.

[Sleepyeyes]

We use Baxter, but I think I've seen some Gemini around too; thanks for the warning! I'll share this info with my coworkers.

[pickledpepperRN]

Anyone who has used FluidSense pumps?

[fedupnurse]

As usual we informed management who obviously did nothing about it. My next step is Risk Management to see if they were notified. Haven't noticed a problem witht he 2 channels but we don't use them much. I have no doubt it is due to the age of these pumps.

[EricaCCRN]

Sorry to tell you fedup, but you'll be waiting til the cows come home for management to address this. Now, if youcould somehow disguise this problem as one realting to some family in distress over ice chips or something, then you'd get results!!!!

[fedupnurse]

Hey, when did you start working in my hospital Erica???

It is so sad but so true! I'm in tomorrow night so I'll see if I can get the number off the pumps. That would make an interesting thread: What has your hospital ignored that could directly impact your patients' care?

[RNPD]

The first people I would inform is your HN and the pharmacy manager-in a written memo that states you will keep copies. Ask for an update by a specific time-say one week-to keep you informed as to exactly what actions have been taken. If no response at that time, I would then call the company itself and follow up with a written letter. The Dept of Health is also an option.

Remember that if someone dies because the pump malfunctions and you were aware of the tendency, your license is very probably on the line. Stating that management was made aware and did nothing will hurt them but not help you. The plaintiff's attorney will ask what YOU did to correct the situation and to keep the patient safe. And obviously if you keep using them and someone is harmed you won't have done enough.

Don't let it wait any longer. And make sure you make a paper trail & keep copies for yourself! Good luck and keep us posted!

[shay]

Originally posted by EricaCCRN

Now, if youcould somehow disguise this problem as one realting to some family in distress over ice chips or something, then you'd get results!!!!

:rotfl: :rotfl: :roll TOO TRUE!! Erica, you go girl. Btw, LOOOOOOVE your 'location.'

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/report/consumer/consumer.htm

You probably ought to check into your carrying this further. We were encouraged to file Medwatch forms along with any occurrence reports.