Authors: Rooker, Jemma C.; Gorard, David A.

Source: Clinical Medicine, Journal of the Royal College of Physicians, Volume 7, Number 5, October 2007 , pp. 482-485(4)

Publisher: Royal College of Physicians

Abstract:

Prescriptions for intravenous (iv) fluids in hospitals may not be closely adhered to. This study prospectively examined whether prescribed iv fluids are administered at the correct rate. During a four-week period, the iv infusion rates in patients requiring continuous iv fluids and cared for by a single medical team in a district hospital were studied. The periods over which iv crystalloid fluid bags were administered were compared with the time prescribed. Of a total 207 bags, 53 (26%) were correctly administered at the prescribed rate (percentage error 10% to −10%), 138 bags (67%) were infused too slowly and 16 bags (8%) were infused too fast. Overall, the median (interquartile range) absolute percentage error (positive or negative) for all infused bags was 23% (9.7-50). Thirty-nine per cent of bags were infused accurately when a metered pump was used, compared to 21% of bags infused accurately when a metered pump was not used (p<0.01). Marked inaccuracies in iv fluid infusion rates are common, and do not seem to be perceived by staff as important. Metered pumps improve accuracy. Increased awareness of such errors, and the routine use of metered pumps should help improve the accuracy of iv fluid infusion rates.

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Keywords: ERROR; FLUID; INTRAVENOUS; MEDICATION ERROR; PARENTERAL

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2007-10-01

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• Clinical Medicine is published six times a year and circulated to 20,000 Fellows and Members of the Royal College of Physicians. The journal is read by physicians both established and in training in hospitals across the world. It features a wide range of articles including original papers, professional issues, clinical guidance, medical humanities, ethics and clinical governance. The journal publishes the key features from the College lectures and conferences. Each issue has a CME section which reviews the latest advances in a chosen specialty.
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