SYRINGE DRIVER /

SYRINGE PUMP
BY: LACSAMANA, JOAN NOEMY C.
• A syringe driver or syringe pump is a
sophisticated pump used to deliver
small quantities of intravenous
medications and fluids.

• The medication is put into a syringe

which is connected to the patient via
specialized IV tubing. The pump is then
programmed by a clinician, usually the
patient’s nurse, to deliver the
medication and fluids. Syringe drivers
are often used when only small amounts
of medications or fluids are required.
 Indications for syringe pumps and
prescribing information:
1. When oral route is not possible due to:
• persistent nausea and vomiting
• dysphagia
• gastro-intestinal obstruction
• severe weakness/unconsciousness.
2. Poor absorption by oral route (uncommon).
3. When patients would otherwise require regular
injections.
Take note!
The doctor is responsible for prescribing
medication to be infused via the syringe
driver. The registered nurse is responsible
for the setting up, monitoring and
reloading the syringe every 24 hours.
Registered nurses have a responsibility to
ensure their own training needs are met
prior to using the device.
Things to look out:
Look out for any changes any skin
irritation, redness or discomfort. Keep
the syringe driver and your skin around
the tube clean and dry. If your symptoms
are not under control quickly, your
doctor can change or adjust your
medicines.
STANDARDS
All syringes should have labels containing the
following information:
• Name of patient.
• Name(s) of drug(s) in syringe.
• Dose(s) of each drug.
• Name of diluents (if used).
• Length of total fluid in syringe at time
syringe driver/pump commenced.
• Date and time syringe driver/ pump
commenced.
What to do if the syringe pump stops working:

If an alarm is going off, this might mean that the syringe pump has stopped working. A
message might also appear on the pump’s display screen.
If this does happen, don’t panic – the medicines will keep working for a while. But call
the patient’s district nurse straight away so they can come and check it and give you
advice on what to do before they arrive. If you can’t reach the district nurse, call the
patient’s GP.
An alarm may mean the battery needs replacing, or the patient is nearing the end of
their medication. The patient will have a supply of new batteries, so you can help them
to replace it.