5 Medical Smart Pump Troubleshooting Tips
The use of smart pumps has grown throughout the years as the technology to deliver medicine advances. Even with this advancement, there is still a potential for problems to arise. An issue may occur with a smart pump, but there are ways to troubleshoot these problems and keep the machine functioning.
Ensure That All Sources of Power Are Functioning
All smart pumps need a constant power supply to function, so you should always check their power sources if they don't turn on or suddenly turn off. One or both batteries may have little power, but if you need to change either, you will need to change both to ensure that there isn't a future occurrence of one battery dying.
Check Back Pressure While the Pump Runs
The IV needle may slip out of the vein and into the tissue of the site, which may cause backflow into the tubing that builds pressure. Check for any increase in back pressure. If there is any noticeable change, check the injection site to see if the needle moved.
Make Sure the Pump Housing Is Secure
The area where you house the actual smart pump is an important area to check. If the housing breaks, the pump won't have a secure place to attach, which may lead to falling and accidental changes in settings. Make sure the housing has a tight hold on the pump and doesn't develop any signs of cracking or heavy damage.
Keep the Pump Away from Sources of Radio Frequencies
If a malfunction occurs and you've tried troubleshooting factors within the smart pump, you may need to look outside the device for anything producing radio waves. High radio frequency may disrupt the smart pump and cause it to display false readings or an error code. Ensure the pump is away from other devices besides medical equipment that is less likely to disrupt it.
Software Errors
Numerous error codes may pop up from human error, but there are times when the problem may stem from the software in the device. When there is a software problem in a smart pump, multiple alarms may go off in the IV or the device. Some pumps, such as the BD infusion pump, can silence the alarm for up to 120 seconds, but you still need to resolve the problem soon.
The software in the smart pump may require troubleshooting in which you will need to shut down and restart the pump entirely. Once the issue in the software resolves, you need the correct inputs to start the infusion process again.
It's important to fix any errors in a patient's smart pump. These troubleshooting tips will help you resolve them promptly and keep the patient safe and healthy.