Guardrails on alaris pumps

[Karencol]

Hello

I'm a patient safety nurse working in the uk. The hospital in which I work has several alaris pumps but has yet to introduce the use of the guardrail system. We are planning to pilot the use of the system within our Directorate of Childrens Services. Does anyone have experience of using the guardrail system I am particularly interested in the experience of others in devising protocols for the safe use of the system.

[sunnycalifRN]

We have them in place but the pharmacists set the parameters. Truth be told, the guardrails are more annoying, than helpful. For the drip infusions that we titrate, we seldom run into the guardrail except occasionally on the low end, when a patient is very sensitive to the medication. Also, the TKO setting for IV fluid is 25 ml/hr but we often will use just 10 ml/hr for fluid restricted patients and we have to override the guardrail. I guess they could be helpful for a new RN.

[pamelalayn]

My faciltiy uses the Alaris pumps, we converted to these in November. I think the guardrail for the high end is definitely a good idea. You would then have to over ride the pump. But yes I agree they can be annoying.

[midinphx, BSN]

We used the guardrail system on our Alaris pump. I'm totally in favor of them. It does take a moment longer to program, but it is easy once you get used to it. The system is a nice backup to help prevent accidental wrong dosages. If you are in a crisis and have 8 or 9 pumps going and set it wrong... it beeps one last time to ask if you are sure you want to go outside the parameters. I think if it prevents one accidental wrong dosage, it is worth it.