Hospira Pump Safety at CGCH

Mark Farley, RN, CFRN expressed concern for a potential patient safety issue by inquiring about the default KVO rate of the Hospira IV pumps utilized at CGCH. Many high-risk and critical medication drips, such as those used for cardiac purposes, sedation and blood glucose management, are often infusing at low rates (ml/ hr). If the volume to be infused is complete, the pumps revert to a default KVO rate as they alert. If several minutes elapse before the alarm is acknowledged, the patient is at risk for significant over or under dosing, depending on the default KVO rate of the pump, creating a medication error and potential patient harm. Appropriate resources were identified, and the default KVO rate was determined to be 1 ml/hr. This information was disseminated to all clinical staff in the ED with reminders to acknowledge alarms promptly. Thank You Mark for your Curiosity which also demonstrates your Commitment to patient safety and quality care.

Submitted by Staci Bonds