CRNI Infusion Pump Technology and Safety Practice Test Flashcards
6 cards from real CRNI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CRNI Infusion Pump Technology and Safety Practice Test flashcards as text
A patient's IV pump displays an 'occlusion' alarm. What should the nurse assess first?
Answer: The entire IV system from the patient's access site through the tubing to the solution container for kinks, clamps, or obstructions
An occlusion alarm indicates increased resistance to flow somewhere in the system. The nurse should systematically assess the entire fluid path: check the access site for infiltration or positional issues, trace tubing for kinks or closed clamps, check stopcocks, inspect the solution for crystallization, and verify filter patency. Starting at the patient and working back to the bag is the most efficient approach.
Which pump feature allows the clinician to administer a loading dose followed by a continuous maintenance infusion?
Answer: Bolus-to-continuous mode (loading dose with automatic transition to maintenance rate)
Many smart pumps offer a loading dose feature that delivers a specified bolus amount over a set time, then automatically transitions to the programmed continuous maintenance rate. This is particularly useful for medications like heparin, aminophylline, or vasopressors that require an initial higher dose followed by continuous infusion.
What is KVO (Keep Vein Open) mode on an infusion pump?
Answer: A very low flow rate (typically 0.1-3 mL/hr) that maintains catheter patency when the primary infusion is complete
KVO mode delivers a minimal flow rate to prevent blood from backing up into the catheter and forming a clot when the primary infusion is completed. The pump automatically switches to KVO rate rather than stopping completely, maintaining venous access until the next infusion is hung or a new order is received.
A nurse is administering a critical vasopressor infusion. What is the most important pump-related safety measure?
Answer: Using a dedicated pump channel with no Y-site connections and a proximal infusion site
Critical vasopressor infusions should run on a dedicated pump channel without Y-site connections to prevent interruptions or unintended boluses when other medications are started or stopped. A proximal infusion site (central line preferred) minimizes dead space and drug delivery delay. Any interruption in vasopressor delivery can cause dangerous hemodynamic instability.
What is the purpose of pressure monitoring on an infusion pump?
Answer: To detect downstream and upstream occlusions by monitoring the pressure within the pumping mechanism
Infusion pump pressure monitors detect abnormal resistance in the fluid path. Increased downstream pressure suggests occlusion between the pump and patient (kink, clot, closed clamp). Decreased upstream pressure indicates an empty container or upstream obstruction. Pressure thresholds can be adjusted based on the infusion type and access device.
Which type of tubing is required for use with a volumetric infusion pump?
Answer: Pump-specific administration set designed for the pump's mechanism
Volumetric infusion pumps require manufacturer-specified administration sets because the pump mechanism is calibrated to the specific tubing material, internal diameter, and elasticity. Using non-compatible tubing can result in inaccurate flow rates, occlusion alarms, or free-flow events. The pump set also includes the anti-free-flow mechanism.