Troubleshooting I.V. pump alarms



Troubleshooting I.V. pump alarms







A number of electronic devices are available that assist the nurse in controlling the rate and volume of solution infusion. The most common device is an I.V. pump. Safe use of an I.V. setup requires an understanding of potential device alarms.


















Alarm Possible cause Intervention


  • Air in tubing

  • Empty I.V. bag


  • Hole in I.V. tubing

  • Spike new I.V. bag and reprime tubing.
  • Change I.V. tubing.


  • Low battery power

  • Unplugged for extended period of time
  • Loss of power to outlet

  • Plug in device.


  • Move plug to another outlet.
  • Move plug to emergency outlet.


  • Downstream occlusion alarm

  • Clotted catheter
  • I.V. dressing too tight
  • Infiltration
  • Kinked tubing
  • Filter or extension tubing added


  • Addition of a viscous solution
  • Catheter gauge and tubing length


  • Flushing will determine clotting; select new site.
  • Change dressing.


  • Remove catheter; change site.
  • Locate and remove kink.
  • Stop infusions before adding filters or extensions to tubing and allow pump to establish a new baseline resistance.
  • Allow pump to establish a new baseline pressure.
  • Select the smallest catheter that will accept the desired flow rate and the largest vein available.

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Jul 26, 2016 | Posted by in NURSING | Comments Off on Troubleshooting I.V. pump alarms

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