Who is responsible for maintaining the settings of an IV pump?

Who is responsible for maintaining the settings of an IV pump?

• A. Doctor
• B. Nurse
• C. Pharmacist
• D. Dietitian

Answer: (B)

IV pump settings are managed by the nurse because programming the infusion rate, verifying the correct medication and dose, and monitoring the patient’s response all require nursing assessment and orders. The nurse ensures the right rate is set, checks for compatibility, and responds to alarms or changes in the patient’s condition. A CNA supports safety by keeping the IV line patent, ensuring tubing isn’t kinked, watching the site for signs of trouble, and reporting alarms or concerns to the nurse. Settings should not be changed by the CNA; adjustments come from the nurse following physician orders. Other professionals don’t typically program or adjust bedside IV pumps.

IV pump settings are managed by the nurse because programming the infusion rate, verifying the correct medication and dose, and monitoring the patient’s response all require nursing assessment and orders. The nurse ensures the right rate is set, checks for compatibility, and responds to alarms or changes in the patient’s condition. A CNA supports safety by keeping the IV line patent, ensuring tubing isn’t kinked, watching the site for signs of trouble, and reporting alarms or concerns to the nurse. Settings should not be changed by the CNA; adjustments come from the nurse following physician orders. Other professionals don’t typically program or adjust bedside IV pumps.