IV Pump and Infusion

Vocabulary flashcards covering IV pump setup, operation, and safety concepts from the lecture notes.

Pump brain

The central controller inside an IV infusion pump that runs the infusion channels and safety logic.

Channel

An individual infusion line on a multi-channel pump (often labeled A, B, C); each handles a separate infusion.

Primary infusion

The first IV fluid bag hung; the main infusion line for the patient.

Secondary infusion (piggyback)

An additional bag/med delivered via a secondary line, often using a piggyback setup.

Micro drip tubing

Smaller-diameter tubing with a micro-drip chamber, used for slow rates (e.g., some dialysis therapies).

Drip chamber

The part of IV tubing where drops are seen; includes a minimum fluid level to maintain flow.

Air vent

A vent in the IV setup used to vent air and facilitate priming.

Spike

Inserting the tubing spike into a bag; kept upright and controlled to avoid air or spillage.

Occlusion

A blockage somewhere in the IV line causing resistance to flow; pumps display occlusion.

Priming

Filling the line with fluid and removing air before connecting to the patient.

Red vs White power outlets

Red outlets power critical medical equipment during outages; white outlets are standard.

VTBI (Volume to be Infused)

The total volume that the pump is scheduled to infuse from the bag.

Rate

Volume/hour

Normal saline (NS)

0.9% sodium chloride solution used as a standard IV fluid.

Lactated Ringer's (LR)

Balanced electrolyte IV solution; note: often more fluid remains in the bag after infusion.

KVO (Keep Vein Open)

A low-rate infusion to keep the vein patent; commonly up to about 50 mL/hour.

Piggyback

Secondary infusion that piggybacks onto the primary line; often used for meds.

Delay function

Pump feature to start a medication/infusion at a later time.