IV Administration problems - Roller clamp vs Pump

[i.care]

Why isn't there a device that's easier to use than a Pump for simple patient rehydration? Nurses srtuggle to get the accuracy they require with a Roller clamp so the next option is a Pump. Using a pump is incredibly complex for this simple task ?

[oslogirl]

Pumps are great. Far more accurate, and safer. Less chance of a fluid overload.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

we have smart pumps and nurses are not allowed to deliver fluids by gravity except in critical situations. The pumps are designed to assist the nurse by providing more accurate delivery and alarms.

Roller clamps tend to get loose after a while and the rate of delivery then increases.

[chicookie, BSN, RN]

I love the pump. Its my friend.

I thought there was a shortage in my hospital but then I realized that IS comes by and picks them up. If we need an extra one we just call them and they bring them up to us.

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

Also wondering why the pump is complex. Unless by complex you simply mean overkill.

[Roy Fokker, BSN, RN]

the rest of the functionality is just there to confuse me.

Heh. I understand where you're coming from.

A lot of times, I love the med-library feature in the Abbott Plum+ infusion pumps... but their "confirm boxes" are a pain in the behind. In emergent situations, sitting around fidgeting with that blessed thing can be infuriating.

cheers,

[elthia]

Our Alaris pumps were subject to a recall...so now we are stuck with some old Plum and some other old pumps that were drug out of storage, I swear they are 25 years old, but they work.

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

I don't really have a problem with our IV pumps. I can use a roller clamp, but if I've got a positional IV, I need that pump, 'cause I ain't got time to sit and watch and make sure it's going in correctly. Plus, it's a lot harder for patients to play with the pump (as opposed to a clamp) 'just to see what will happen.'

[cherrybreeze, ADN, RN]

I guess I don't see the pumps as complex.........when you're setting them for simple rehydration, all the other features are irrelevant? Plug in your rate and VTBI and there you go.

On a little different note, I LOVE the fact that my hospital FINALLY moved to blood infusions on pumps.....not much IMO was harder than trying to get a unit in over 4 hours (constantly rechecking the drip rate, positional IV's, etc). Now we program and go, thank goodness!

[i.care]

Thanks everyone, I guess I did mean that pumps were 'overkill' rather than complex. Most of the time I'm just using the Alaris pump for very simple rehydration activities.