CRNI Infusion Pump Technology and Safety Practice Test 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which infusion pump technology uses peristaltic action to propel fluid?
- Syringe pump
- Linear peristaltic pump using sequential finger-like compressions on the tubing (Correct answer)
- Elastomeric pump
- Gravity controller
Correct answer: Linear peristaltic pump using sequential finger-like compressions on the tubing
Linear peristaltic pumps use a series of cam-driven fingers that sequentially compress the IV tubing in a wave-like motion, propelling fluid forward. This mechanism allows precise flow rate control using standard IV tubing. Rotary peristaltic pumps use a similar principle with rotating rollers compressing tubing around a curved track.
Question 2: What is the primary advantage of an elastomeric infusion device for home infusion therapy?
- Highest accuracy of all pump types
- No batteries, electricity, or programming required — provides constant-rate infusion through elastic recoil (Correct answer)
- Ability to deliver multiple medications simultaneously
- Built-in dose error reduction software
Correct answer: No batteries, electricity, or programming required — provides constant-rate infusion through elastic recoil
Elastomeric pumps contain a pre-filled elastomeric balloon inside a rigid container. The balloon's elastic recoil provides a constant driving pressure that pushes fluid through a flow restrictor at a predetermined rate. This design requires no power source or programming, making it ideal for simple home infusions like IV antibiotics.
Question 3: A nurse discovers that the wrong drug library profile was selected on a smart pump. The infusion has been running for 2 hours. What is the immediate action?
- Continue the infusion since no alarm sounded
- Stop the infusion, assess the patient, verify the actual medication and dose delivered, correct the drug library selection, and notify the provider (Correct answer)
- Just change the profile without stopping the infusion
- Document the error only
Correct answer: Stop the infusion, assess the patient, verify the actual medication and dose delivered, correct the drug library selection, and notify the provider
Using the wrong drug library profile means all safety dose limits were incorrect for the actual medication being infused. The nurse must stop the infusion to prevent further incorrect dosing, assess the patient for adverse effects, calculate the actual dose delivered, correct the profile, and notify the provider. An incident report should be filed.
Question 4: What is the purpose of an in-line air detector on an infusion pump?
- To measure oxygen concentration in the fluid
- To detect air bubbles in the tubing and stop the infusion to prevent air embolism (Correct answer)
- To regulate fluid temperature
- To filter particulate matter
Correct answer: To detect air bubbles in the tubing and stop the infusion to prevent air embolism
In-line air detectors use ultrasonic technology to continuously monitor the tubing for air bubbles. When air is detected above a threshold volume (typically 50-100 microliters for most pumps), the pump stops the infusion and alarms. This prevents venous air embolism, a potentially fatal complication of IV infusion.
Question 5: Which factor most affects the accuracy of an elastomeric infusion device?
- Brand of the device
- Temperature — cold temperatures slow the flow rate and warm temperatures increase it (Correct answer)
- Time of day
- Patient's blood pressure
Correct answer: Temperature — cold temperatures slow the flow rate and warm temperatures increase it
Temperature significantly affects elastomeric pump flow rates because the viscosity of the solution and the elasticity of the balloon change with temperature. Cold environments or refrigerated solutions flow slower than labeled rates, while warm environments increase flow rates. Patients should be educated to keep the device close to body temperature.
Question 6: What is the recommended frequency for updating smart pump drug libraries?
- Only when new medications are added to formulary
- At least quarterly, or whenever significant drug safety information changes (Correct answer)
- Annually
- Drug libraries never need updating
Correct answer: At least quarterly, or whenever significant drug safety information changes
Smart pump drug libraries should be updated at least quarterly and whenever there are changes to the formulary, new drug safety information, or analysis of override data reveals needed adjustments. Regular updates ensure dose limits reflect current evidence and practice. Compliance data from pump downloads should guide library refinements.
CRNI Infusion Pump Technology and Safety Practice Test 2
Which infusion pump technology uses peristaltic action to propel fluid?