For patients unable to take their medications by mouth, Graseby syringe drivers administer them through a small needle in the skin. These are usually used to give pain medications, but they can administer many other drugs as well. Often used in a home care setting, Graseby syringe drivers come with a convenient carrying case that allows you mobility and comfort. Once the procedure has been explained by your doctor, your nurse will set up your infusion device for you.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Graseby infusion pump
- 9-volt battery
- Graseby infusion tubing
- Millimeter ruler
- Luer lock syringe
- Medication
- Subcutaneous needle with dressing
- Sterile water for diluent
- Physician's orders
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- 1 Calculate and draw the prescribed medication into the syringe. A 10-, 20- or 30-milliliter syringe may be used. Be sure the syringe has a luer locking tip. This is to avoid accidental disconnection.
- 2 Use a millimeter ruler to measure the length of the medication in the syringe. Accuracy is crucial because the medication is infused by the length of medication in the syringe, rather than by dosage of medication.
- 3 Attach the syringe onto the Graseby medication tubing. Prime the pump until the tubing is filled with the medication.
- 4 Check to be sure you are using the appropriate Graseby syringe driver for the length of time required for the infusion. Remember that different models will deliver medication at different rates. Each Graseby model is color coded to alleviate infusion errors.
- 5 Lock the filled syringe into the Graseby syringe driver. Once locked into place, apply the security strap across the syringe.
- 6 Insert the infusion needle into the skin. Use a sterile technique and insert the needle using a 45-degree angle. Secure the needle in place with a transparent dressing.
- 7 Hit the start button. Be sure that you see the light flashing and hear the noise of the motor running.
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