INFUSION PUMP

external infusion pump is a medical device used to deliver fluids into a patient’s body in a
controlled manner. There are many different types of infusion pumps, which are used for a
variety of purposes and in a variety of environments.

Infusion pumps may be capable of delivering fluids in large or small amounts, and may be
used to deliver nutrients or medications – such as insulin or other hormones, antibiotics,
chemotherapy drugs, and pain relievers.

Some infusion pumps are designed mainly for stationary use at a patient’s bedside. Others,
called ambulatory infusion pumps, are designed to be portable or wearable.

A number of commonly used infusion pumps are designed for specialized purposes. These
include:

 Enteral pump - A pump used to deliver liquid nutrients and medications to a patient’s
digestive tract.
 Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump - A pump used to deliver pain medication,
which is equipped with a feature that allows patients to self-administer a controlled
amount of medication, as needed.
 Insulin pump - A pump typically used to deliver insulin to patients with diabetes.
Insulin pumps are frequently used in the home.

Infusion pumps may be powered electrically or mechanically. Different pumps operate in

different ways. For example:

 In a syringe pump, fluid is held in the reservoir of a syringe, and a moveable piston
controls fluid delivery.
 In an elastomeric pump, fluid is held in a stretchable balloon reservoir, and pressure
from the elastic walls of the balloon drives fluid delivery.
 In a peristaltic pump, a set of rollers pinches down on a length of flexible tubing,
pushing fluid forward.
 In a multi-channel pump, fluids can be delivered from multiple reservoirs at multiple
rates.
 A "smart pump" is equipped with safety features, such as user-alerts that activate
when there is a risk of an adverse drug interaction, or when the user sets the pump's
parameters outside of specified safety limits.
Common kinds of infusion pumps

There are diverse categories of infusion pumps. You can classify Infusion pumps into
different groups based on varying factors. But there are three major classes of infusion pumps
that stand out. These infusion pump types include:
 Infusion pumps classified by function
 Infusion pumps organized by the volume of the fluid delivery
 Infusion pumps classified by their mobility
Different types of IV pumps based on mobility

Ambulatory infusion pumps

Ambulatory infusion pumps are lightweight infusion pumps often used in treating people
with debilitating diseases. Sometimes patients with debilitating conditions need to move
around with their medical infusions because they require medication throughout the day.
Mobile and lightweight infusion pumps help such patients to be transported while still
receiving their medication. This kind of lightweight infusion pump solves the challenge of
delivering medical infusions while on the go.

Stationary infusion pumps

Unlike the portable, lightweight infusion pumps, stationary infusion pumps don't need to be
compact and light because they don't require movement. Bedridden patients with chronic
conditions often need medication or dietary infusions. The stationary pumps provide bedside
IV infusions for patients who require frequent bedside nutrition or medicine.
Unlike lightweight infusion pumps, stationary pumps don't have to be light.

Categorization of Infusion Pumps Based on Fluid Volume Delivery

There are two types of infusion pump categories defined by the volume of infusions that they
deliver.

Syringe pumps or small volume infusion pumps

These are infusion pumps that deliver low medication volumes for medication required in
small quantities. Many times these are used on babies and young children. These infusion
pumps are ideal in providing medication in small amounts such as hormones, which you can
deliver through a controlled motor mechanism that uses a pumping system that works like a
plunger.

Large volume pumps (LVPs)

 The LVPs are infusion pumps, which infuse large volumes of nourishment or medication
fluids. The LVPs often employ electronic peristaltic pumps. The pump is controlled by
manual means or through a computer-controlled roller.

Classification of infusion pumps based on their functions

When considering the use, there are two types of infusion pumps. These include specialty
pumps and traditional pumps.

Specialty pumps

Specialty infusion pumps are designed to fulfill the needs of exceptional medical cases. They
are commonly used in homecare delivery or the treatment of particular conditions such as
diabetes. The specialty infusion pump category has three main classes of pumps, which
include implantable, enteral, and insulin infusion pumps.

Traditional infusion pumps

You can use traditional infusion pumps in medical settings such as mobile, home, and long-
term care settings. These pumps are usable in both stationary and mobile environments to
administer pain medication, antibiotics, chemotherapy medication, and hydrating fluids. The
traditional infusion pumps are further subdivided into three categories, which include:

 Syringe infusion pumps

 Disposable pumps
 Large volume pumps
 Elastomeric pumps

Do you or anyone close to you require an infusion system for medical purposes? Take your
time to determine their medical needs and the ideal infusion pump for their medical
requirements. A perfect choice will guarantee the proper delivery of medication or dietary
needs and quick recovery for the patient.
 INCUBATOR CARE

ACTIO RATIONALE EVIDENCE and REFERENCE

N

Incubator
All preterm infants, low birth weight, or sick term Sick term infants and premature infants have
neonates transferred to PICU are admitted into a pre- difficulty in self-regulation of temperature.
warmed incubator. Incubators help reduce heat loss by conduction,
radiation and secure heat gain. Incubators also help
prevent cross infection, promote minimal handling,
aid with noise reduction and enable close
observation of the sick neonate (Fellows 2010).

(O’Connor and Kelleher 2016)

It is preferable to keep preterm infants and low birth

weight term/sick neonates in incubators whilst in the To increase parental confidence, autonomy and
PICU environment and if < 2kgs within the ward allow bonding to take place (Fellows, 2010; Trigg
areas. and Mohammed 2010).

Provide explanation and give continued ongoing To prepare for the infants admission (Trigg and
support to parents / guardians. Mohammed 2010).
Promote maternal and parental bonding.
To ensure the infant is placed in a warm
Prepare the incubator and preheat, in preparation for
environment and to prevent draughts and cold stress.
the infant
Also to prevent heat loss due to convection (Trigg
and Mohammed 2010, Dougherty and Lister 2015).
Close all windows and doors and ensure privacy.
To ensure the incubator / infant isn’t subjected to
temperature flux from the environment and to
ensure health and safety issues are incorporated
Position incubator out of direct sunlight and away (Trigg and Mohammed 2010).
from radiator and ensure wheels are locked in
position. To allow access to the infant from both sides of the
 Incubator in case of an emergency eg.
resuscitation.

Ensure the incubator is safely situated without

obstruction from furniture / equipment and away from
the walls so that both side doors can be freely let down
to allow access to the infant by staff members.

The air temperature mode should be used to set the Incubator temperature > infant temperature will secure
incubator pre-warmed to: heat gain and help to reduce heat loss by conduction
 37oC- Preterm Infant and radiation. It will also ensure the incubator infant
 35oC - Term Infant isn’t subjected to temperature fluctuations from the
environment and to ensure health and safety issues are
incorporated. The term infant has a lower temperature
set to avoid overheating the infant (St Mary’s Hospital
2008, Trigg and Mohammed 2010, EOENBG 2011).

(EOENBG 2011)
All probes to be attached should also be warming in the
incubator.
Infants nursed in “air control mode” have a more
stable thermo-regulated environment and less variance
Once the infant is placed in the incubator, the air
between core and peripheral temperatures (Boyd and
temperature should then be reduced and
Lenhart 1996).
set accordingly to maintain infant’s temperature
To maintain the infant in a neutral thermal
within a neutral thermal temperature, i.e. 36.5o - 37.5
environment.
oC. (Appendix 3).
The infant becomes more mature, condition improves,
is maintaining own temperature and ready to be
The initial set incubator temperature is reduced in dressed in preparation for transfer to cot.
preparation for transfer to a cot.
To ensure early detection and timely intervention for
temperature fluctuations (Fellows 2010). A
Monitor core and peripheral temperatures continuously temperature gradient >2 oC between skin (peripheral)
and document same i.e: and core may be an early indication of cold stress as
the infant tries to minimise heat loss and should be
 PICU’s in the preterm or LBW infant < 1.8kgs investigated. Core temperatures which are measured
 Intubated, unstable, inotrope dependent from abdomen, or axilla whilst mainly accurate, may
 Until the infant no longer needs to be in an be subject to heat fluctuations from surrounding
incubator and has successfully transferred to a environment (Brand and Boyd 2010, Fellows 2010,
Turnbull and Petty 2013).
cot. Infant is considered clinically stable with
expected weight gain and on full feeds.

In exceptionally rare cases within ward areas, some sick

neonate may require skin and core temperature and ECG
monitoring, as per medical team.
As infant matures and becomes more stable 4 hourly
clinical observation, assessment and documentation of
core and peripheral temperature is acceptable within the
PICU and ward areas. Core temperatures can be
monitored age appropriately i.e. tempadot (single use).
Peripheral temperatures can now be monitored via touch
/ feel i.e. ‘warm to toes’ and, ‘warm to finger tips’
method. The infant should have more frequent
monitoring/ recording of core / peripheral temperatures
if their condition becomes unstable / deteriorates as
clinically indicated.

Close monitoring of central / peripheral temperature and Incubator temperatures fall during care when
incubator temperature is necessary when undertaking portholes or incubator doors are open with subsequent
care of preterm infant and to interrupt if the neutral drop in the preterm infant’s / sick neonates central and
thermal environment is compromised. peripheral temperature subjecting them to the risk of
cold stress (Brand and Boyd 2010).

Core temperature (while in PICU) should be monitored

using: Probe between scapular and non-conducting mattress
 Skin temperature probe between mattress – is very accurate (EOENBG 2011).
skin (extrascapular) attached to a cardiac
Rectal temperatures are extremely invasive and may
monitor
be unreliable. A rectal temperature probe predisposes
 Rectal temperatures should be avoided where to rectal polyps and perforation (Fellows, 2010;
possible, however they may be indicated Macqueen et al. 2012, Smith et al. 2013).
(PICU ONLY), i.e.
o Post cardiac surgery, meningococcal septicaemia,
sepsis, cooling of infant to protect brain i.e. asphyxia.
Where used, rectal temperature monitoring should be of
short duration (< 24hrs) unless best practice indicates
otherwise. In the 1st 2-3 days of life the pre-term infant is
poikilothermic i.e. adopts the temperature of the
Peripheral temperature monitoring (while in PICU): environment. He then develops the ability to
 Peripheral skin probe attached to sole of foot peripherally vasoconstrict, shunting blood to the core
when challenged thermally. Decreased peripheral
 Used routinely for all premature infants and temperature is also an early indication of cold stress
sick neonates. and also poor perfusion (EOENBG, 2011; Brown and
Launders 2011, Altimier 2012).

To help maintain temperature of the infant and reduce

heat loss (British Columbia, 2003; EOENBG, 2011).

Preterm infant’s the core temperature should be To observe the frequency of changes to the incubator
maintained between 36.5 - 37.5 oC temperature which may indicate that extra energy is
being expended by the infant (GOSH 2008, EOENBG
 2011, Macqueen et al. 2012).
Monitor and document incubator temperature hourly
(PICU).

2-4 hourly if the infant is clinically stable The infants head has a large surface
area in proportion to size and is
at ward level. Hat, mittens and booties vulnerable to heat loss (Knobel et al.
2009).
should be used for infants.

The core temperature of preterm infants

WHO Classification may be allowed to rise to 37.5˚C to
maintain this difference (Knobel et al.
Temperature 2009, Brown and Landers 2011).
36-36.4 oC COLD STRESS
Mild Hypothermia This allows for early notification of
Cause for concern. fluctuations and rectifying of the
< 36.0 oC Moderate problem.
Hypothermia (WHO 1997, Brown and Landers 2011).
Dangerous requires
immediate warming
of
the infant.
o
< 32.0 C Severe Hypothermia
Outlook grave, To assist in the early detection of
requires urgent temperature variations and potential
skilled care. complications of same (Blissinger and
Annibale 2010, Trigg and Mohammed
Within the PICUs the temperature alarm
2010).
limits on cardiac monitor should be tightly
set, i.e. 0.2 oC above and below accepted This decreases insensible water and
parameters. heat loss from respiratory tract.
Endotracheal tubes bypass the natural
humidification and filtering systems.
Oxygen/air gases should always be
Infant temp can ↓1°C when ventilator
humidified and warmed.
heater temp <34°C. Inadequate
humidification of the preterm airway
leads to changes in lung function, even
after short periods (Doyle and
Bradshaw 2012)

The ventilator temperature probe sits The gases may cool before reaching the
 inside the incubator and must be shielded infant, if the extension tubing is used as
from environmental flux by the use of heat the heating wire only goes as far as the
reflective shield. temperature probe.

When infant has stabilised, dressing the Clothed infants feel more comfortable
infant fully is encouraged as clinically and require lower air temp (Bosque and
indicated. Haverman 2009). The sick
and/premature infant is less at risk of
cold stress once stabilised but is still at
risk (Fellows 2010). Insulating effect of
dressing the infant can prevent heat
loss. Infant when naked can drop their
temperature, up to 3°C central and
peripherally with handling and recovery
can take up to 2 hours (Bosque and
Haverman 2009).

Temperature monitoring should be To ensure early detection and timely

continuous: intervention for temperature fluctuations.
 PICU’s
 First few days after transfer to a cot
if the infant is unfit for transfer to
the ward. Whilst this may minimise light to the infant
it may also reduce visibility and mimic the
Care should be taken when placing covers day / night effect (Fielder and Moseley
over incubators. . 2000, Lee et al. 2005). The nurse must be
able to assess the infant’s condition at all
times.

Placing the item (i.e. feeding bottles) on

Items or electrical equipment should not be
top of the incubator can be very noisy and
placed on the top or in the incubator
cause undue stress for the infant (Reid and
Freer 2003).
NB: Noise created outside the incubator is
amplified greatly inside the incubator.
Incubators should be changed weekly, and
To minimise the risk of infection
more frequently if soiled or if the infant is (OLCHC 2008). Evidence of
practice and continuity
septic. Document any changes. of care (Macqueen, 2012,
NMBI 2015
Radient warmer To reduce anxiety and stress caused by
Nursing staff should familiarise themselves hospitalisation (Trigg and Mohammed
with the radiant heaters used within 2010).
OLCHC by consulting the operator manual
and taking direction from the technical
support team within the PICUs. Bleep: To ensure the infant is placed in a warm
8465 environment and to prevent cold stress.

Explanation to parents/guardians as To keep the environment warm, draught

clinically indicated. free and also to prevent heat loss due to
convection (Trigg and Mohammed 2010).

Prepare the radiant warmer, in preparation

for the infant on manual mode. To allow access to the infant in case of an
emergency.
Close all windows and doors.

To ensure the incubator/infant isn’t

Ensure the radiant warmer is safely situated subjected to temperature flux from the
without obstruction from furniture / environment and to ensure health and
equipment etc. and that both side doors are safety issues are incorporated (Trigg and
free to open completely and allow access Mohammed 2010).
by staff members.
Radiant warmers provide easier access to
Position Radiant warmer out of direct the critically ill infant. When procedures /
sunlight and away from radiator and ensure investigations / surgery are required it can
wheels are locked in position. be prudent to nurse the infant in a radiant
warmer. This, however, should be short
term and the baby should be placed in a
closed incubator as soon as possible.
When infants are admitted to PICU it is The Giraffe Incubator with radiant warmer
always preferable to nurse the infant in an option should be used in the preterm
incubator. However this may create especially < 32 weeks gestation.
challenges i.e. Radiant heaters can subject neonates to
increased trans epidermal water loss
 Ventilation: High Frequency (TEWL) and possible electrolyte
Oscillation Ventilation (HFOV) imbalance, variances in thermal stability,
Gastroschisis silo bag (unrepaired
gastroschisis)

increased oxygen
consumption and
 handling. Also oxygen
consumption increases
by 8.8% under radiant
Admit the infant to a pre-warmed radiant warmers (Sequin and
warmer using the manual mode heated to Vieth 1996,
25% power. Birmingham Children’s
Hospital 2003)
The manual mode, alarms every 12
minutes to alert the nurse to check the This reduces heat loss
infant. through conduction and
radiation (Ohmeda
Medical 1994).
All preterm infants and sick neonates
nursed in PICU should be nursed in the
To prevent overheating
Servo mode.
and evaluation of
preheating of the
When the infant has been transferred to the radiant warmer thereby
radiant warmer the infants should be ensuring the safety of
nursed on: the patient.
 Air mattress
To maintain the infants
 Radiant warmer mattress
temperature in a neutral
 Infants less than 30wks gestation
thermal environment
gamgee may be used if thought
and prevent cold stress
appropriate on an individualised
basis. Use of gamgee should be
A firm mattress is
discontinued at 30 weeks unless
needed to facilitate
otherwise indicated by consultant or
development. (Reid
neurodevelopment physiotherapist /
and Freer 2003).
individualised clinical indication.

The preterm infant < 31 weeks gestation

will require humidity. Therefore, it is a
priority that the infant is moved to a
Giraffe incubator preferably or to a closed
incubator as soon as possible.

Evaporation and
Ensure that the bedside panels are locked insensible water losses
in position when the infant is in the are higher under radiant
warmer. heaters compared to
 incubators i.e. 40- 50%
more. The use of
Radiant warmers increase the infants’ humidity can help
insensible water losses especially in the reduce transthermal
low birth weight infant compared to epithelial water loss
incubators. This water loss needs to be (TEWL) and maintain
taken into account when daily fluid the infant’s body
requirements are calculated i.e. increased temperature (Flenady
by 10 -20 % as discussed with and Woodgate 2009,
neonatologist/ medical team. GE Healthcare 2010,
Brown and Launders
2011).

To prevent the infant

from falling from the
radiant warmer and
maintain a warm
environment by
preventing unnecessary
draughts (Trigg and
Mohammed 2010).

Radiant warmers may

also increase the infant’s
insensible water losses
(Flenady and Woodgate
2009; Fellows 2010).

Urinary output should be monitored closely. This will determine accurate

2010).

Servo Temperature Probe

NB: Please note that the temperature probe alarm is only active in
servo mode
In servo mode the servo skin temperature probe should be in situ. Brown adipose tissue (BAT)
between the scapulae, across th
Place the servo skin temperature probe midway centrally above the also pads the kidneys and th
umbilicus in the direct path of radiant heat with the metal side in absorb heat giving inaccurate
contact with the skin and the heat reflective foil patch facing up. thin over bony areas and bone

NB: Do not cover servo skin probe with bedding and avoid any bony
areas

To prevent skin damage to d

 Place the skin probe on infant’s back, with foil facing uppermost when skin blister development have
the infant is nursed prone
To ensure satisfactory skin co
Change servo probe site a minimum of every shift. Care must be taken lifting resulting in over heating
when removing or resiting adhesive pads.
A 2-3 oC gap between skin a
Temperature probe-skin contact should be checked every 30 minutes to cold stress, hypovolaemia, sho
hour. In cold stress the peripheral tem

Incubators assist in prevent

The servo temperature should not be relied on. Peripheral and core handling, aid with noise reduc
temperatures must always be checked separately and continuously sick neonate

To minimise infection risk

The infant should be placed in a warmed incubator as soon as possible

The radiant warmer should be changed weekly as clinically indicated.

REFRACTOMETER

What is a Refractometer?

A refractometer is a simple instrument used for measuring concentrations of aqueous

solutions. It requires only a few drops of liquid, and is used throughout
the food, agricultural, chemical, and manufacturing industries.
How a Refractometer Works

When light enters a liquid it changes direction; this is

called refraction. Refractometers measure the degree to which the light changes direction,
called the angle of refraction. A refractometer takes the refraction angles and correlates them
to refractive index (nD) values that have been established. Using these values, you can
determine the concentrations of solutions. For example, solutions have different refractive
indexes depending on their concentration
in water.

The prism in the refractometer has a

greater refractive index than the solution.
Measurements are read at the point where
the prism and solution meet. With a low
concentration solution, the refractive
index of the prism is much greater than
that of the sample, creating a large refraction angle and a low reading ("A" on diagram). The
reverse would happen with a high concentration solution ("B" on diagram).

Brix Scale and Common Brix %

The Brix scale is calibrated to the number of grams of cane sugar contained in 100 mL of
water. Therefore, the Brix % reading equals actual sugar Concentration.

Sample fluid Brix %

Cutting oils 0 to 8
Oranges 4 to 13
Carbonated beverages 5 to 15
Apples 11 to 18

Grapes and wines 14 to 19

Concentrated juices 42 to 68
Condensed milk 52 to 68
Jams and jellies 60 to 70

Common Refractive Indexes

Refractive index readings are temperature-dependent.

Refractive
Sample fluid Temperature
index
Methanol 25°C 1.326
Acetone 25°C 1.357
Ethanol 25°C 1.359
Acetic acid 25°C 1.370
Benzene 25°C 1.498

Paraffin oil 20°C 1.412

Palm oil 20°C 1.456
Olive oil 20°C 1.471

Methyl salicylate 25°C 1.522

Methyl iodide 25°C 1.740