Using pumps

[Dempather, RN]

Generally, are there rules stating which drugs should be hung to gravity and which ones are on pumps? I feel like, when in doubt, use a pump - but is there an easy way to remember?

[healer27]

Hi, I think the when in doubt use a pump thing is a good idea (always err on the side of caution) BUT I also know at the hospital I'm at now there under the IV policy there is a list of drugs that ABSOLUTLY must be hung with a pump. So I'd say if you want to know for sure check out the IV policy at your facility.

[CarVsTree]

You need to look at YOUR hospital's policy. At my hospital, we cannot hang anything to gravity, except fluids wide open in an emergency.

I work on a Trauma Step-down/Trauma Med-Surg floor. The ED is allowed and does hang fluids to gravity and often sends pt's up to gravity. We must, however change them to the pump right away.