CRNI Infusion Pump Technology and Safety Practice Test 2

Question 1

Which infusion pump technology uses peristaltic action to propel fluid?

Accepted Answer

Linear peristaltic pump using sequential finger-like compressions on the tubing

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

No batteries, electricity, or programming required — provides constant-rate infusion through elastic recoil

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Stop the infusion, assess the patient, verify the actual medication and dose delivered, correct the drug library selection, and notify the provider

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

To detect air bubbles in the tubing and stop the infusion to prevent air embolism

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Temperature — cold temperatures slow the flow rate and warm temperatures increase it

Answer

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.

CRNI Exam Practice Test

CRNI Exam Practice Test

CRNI Infusion Pump Technology and Safety Practice Test 2