Polaris Pumps, Priming, and IV Piggyback Infusion

Polaris Pumps and IV Piggyback Infusion

Priming the Tubing

• Select Alaris primary tubing and open the package.

• Ensure the clamp is closed.

• Spiking the bag:

  • Method 1: Hold the bag, remove the tab, and insert the spike into the bag using a twisting motion.

  • Hang the bag on the hook.

  • Squeeze the drip chamber until it is halfway full.

  • Loosen the cap on the end of the tubing slightly.

  • Open the clamp slowly to allow fluid to run through the tubing, removing all air bubbles.

Alaris Pump Operation

• Turn on the Alaris pump using the "system on" button.

• Acknowledge if it is a new patient (yes/no).

• Specify the patient type (e.g., med-surg patient).

• Enter the patient ID number and confirm.

• Insert the IV tubing into the pump:

  • Open the pump door.

  • Place the tubing with the edge at the top and the blue filter below into the pump.

  • Ensure it clicks into place.

  • Close the door gently.

• Select the appropriate channel (e.g., channel A).

• Select the infusion type:

  • Options include guardrail drugs, guardrails IV fluids, or basic infusion.

  • Choose based on the physician's orders; for example, select basic infusion.

• Enter the rate:

  • Press "next to rate" and enter the prescribed rate (e.g., $100$ mL/hour).

• Enter the volume to be infused (VTBI):

  • Press VTBI and enter the appropriate volume (e.g., $900$ mLs).

• Ensure all clamps are open.

• Press "start" on the main screen to begin the infusion.

Tubing Labeling

• Label the tubing after hanging it with the date and time it was hung.

• Include the date and time the tubing needs to be changed.

• Typical tubing change intervals are between $72$ and $96$ hours, but this varies by facility.

• Example: Label the tubing with cefazolin $2$ grams.

Back Priming

• Use fresh secondary tubing.

• Open the secondary tubing package.