Lesson 1Verification processes: two-person checks, MAR comparison, patient ID confirmationOutlines verification steps before starting or adjusting an infusion. Stresses two-person checks, matching orders to the MAR, confirming patient identity, and aligning pump settings to guarantee the correct drug, dose, route, and timing in busy wards.
Standard two-person check procedureMatching pump orders with the MARPatient ID verification and barcode scanningAligning pump settings with written ordersDealing with discrepancies and close callsLesson 2Programming medications and fluids: dose, rate, concentration, infusion limits, lockoutsConcentrates on securely programming medications and fluids into infusion pumps. Includes inputting dose, rate, and concentration, establishing infusion limits and lockouts, applying weight-based dosing, and double-checking calculations prior to initiating treatment.
Inputting dose, rate, and concentration detailsWeight-based and age-based dosing entriesEstablishing infusion limits and lockout periodsUtilising pre-set drug library profilesFinal checks before beginning infusionLesson 3Human factors and medication safety: look-alike/sound-alike meds, labelling, double-check workflowsExamines how human elements contribute to infusion pump errors. Addresses look-alike and sound-alike drugs, proper labelling, independent double-checks, and workflow designs to minimise slips, lapses, and bias during bedside care in resource-limited settings.
Risks of look-alike and sound-alike medicationsSafe labelling and storage near infusion pumpsIndependent double-check and cross-check processesWorkflow designs to cut confirmation biasHuman error types: slips, lapses, rule errorsLesson 4Principles of infusion pump function and common types (smart pumps, syringe, volumetric)Introduces fundamental principles of infusion pump operations and main device types. Compares smart pumps, syringe pumps, and volumetric pumps, noting indications, benefits, drawbacks, and common uses in Zambian nursing environments.
Basic mechanics of infusion pump workingsSmart pump features and connectivity optionsSyringe pump indications and constraintsVolumetric pump applications and accuracy issuesChoosing the appropriate pump for treatmentLesson 5Common alarms and troubleshooting: occlusion, air-in-line, low battery, infusion complete — causes and immediate actionsDescribes typical infusion pump alarms, their probable causes, and prompt nursing responses. Covers occlusion, air-in-line, low battery, and infusion complete alarms, with safe troubleshooting and decisions on pausing or halting therapy.
Identifying and prioritising alarm typesOcclusion alarm causes and swift inspectionsSafely handling air-in-line alarmsAddressing low battery and power interruptionsResponses following infusion complete alarmsLesson 6Documentation and handoff: entries for MAR, pump settings, incident reporting, communication prompts for next nurseAddresses precise documentation of infusions in the MAR and records, covering pump settings, rate adjustments, and patient reactions. Includes structured handoff talks, incident reports, and reminders for seamless continuity to the next nurse.
Logging pump settings and changes in the MARRecording patient response and site conditionEmploying standard handoff tools for infusionsFiling safety incident reports appropriatelySharing pending adjustments and lab resultsLesson 7When to escalate: signs requiring physician notification vs. biomedical engineeringSpecifies when nurses must raise infusion concerns. Distinguishes physician notification needs from biomedical engineering issues, and details information to share during escalation for quick responses in clinical teams.
Clinical changes needing doctor contactDevice faults requiring biomedical aidGathering info before escalationUsing chain of command for urgent mattersLogging escalation and follow-up strategiesLesson 8Monitoring during infusion: site checks, vital sign correlations, fluid balance documentationDetails continuous monitoring duties during infusions. Highlights site evaluations, vital sign patterns, fluid balance records, and spotting infiltration, extravasation, and instability early in patient care.
Routine IV site and line patency checksConnecting vital signs to infusion impactsMonitoring intake, output, and fluid balanceSpotting infiltration and extravasationTailoring monitoring for high-risk medicationsLesson 9Safety features and error prevention: dose-error reduction software, guardrails, infusion protocolsExamines infusion pump safety tools and effective use. Covers dose-error reduction software, guardrail limits, drug libraries, and standard protocols to avoid programming mistakes and overdoses in practice.
Dose-error reduction software basicsUpdating and using drug librariesGuardrail soft and hard limit configurationsStandard infusion and titration protocolsSafely responding to guardrail warningsLesson 10Pre-use checks: device integrity, battery, IV sets, tubing connections, alarm settings, calibrationSpecifies vital pre-use inspections before patient connection. Involves checking device condition, battery level, suitable IV sets, tubing links, alarm configurations, and calibration requirements for reliability.
Visual check of pump body and displayBattery status and power cable confirmationSelecting matching IV sets and cassettesSecuring tubing and line connectionsVerifying alarm volume and default limits
