When the alarm of a client's infusion delivery system sounds, the nurse would suspect which of the following? Select all that apply

Question

1. Air in the line
2. Infusion complete
3. Occlusion of the tubing
4. Low battery
5. Infusion infiltration

Answer 1

1. Air in the line
2. Infusion complete
3. Occlusion of the tubing
4. Low battery

Rationale:
Air in the line. The infusion pump will detect the presence of air in the fluid pathway of the set. Infusion complete. The preset volume limit has been reached, which sounds the alarm. Occlusion of the tubing. Infusion pumps detect disruptions of flow above the catheter and resistance to flow occurring below the device. Low battery. The alarm will sound if the pump is requiring more power from being unplugged for client use. Infusion infiltration. The alarm does not consistently sound for infiltration of an intravenous site; therefore, the intravenous fluid may continue to infuse into the client's tissue until the infiltration is severe enough to reduce the rate of delivery.