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Overview of Small-Volume Portable Infusion Pumps Millie Lawson, RN During the past decade numerous small-volume portable infusion pumps have been marketed for the administration of fluids and drugs in the patient’s home. The numbers and diversity of ambulatory pumps can create confusion when trying to choose the right infusion device for a specific patient population. Mistakes can be costly and can possibly harm the patient This presentation suggested guidelines for choosing the right ambulatory pump based on patient needs and pump capabilities. The features to be considered that are basic to all pumps include the power source, motor, drug reservoir, pump mechanism, programming mechanism, and a method for connecting the pump to the patient. Added pump features and patient considerations are: (1) the type of therapy ordered and the patient’s diagnosis and life-style, (2) the accuracy needed, (3) the simplicity of use for the staff and the patient, (4) the maintenance program, and (5) the costs of the pump use. Safety features that must be considered are the pump alarms, battery life, splash tolerance, delivery protection, mechanism security, pressure limitations, and reliability. The categories of pumps based on the pump mechanism include: piston, elastomeric (balloon), peristaltic, and syringe. From IVION

Corporation, Englewood CO.

© 1991

by Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses.

Overview of Venous Access Devices Betty L. Streckfuss, RN The emergence of newer and better materials for intravenous {N} access are welcomed by nurses interested in focusing their skills on pediatric N therapy. Securing and maintaining a dependable sterile system in this vulnerable population is a challenge to products, skills, and patience. In-depth knowledge of materials, products, and techniques helps nurses to offer valuable alternatives to patients and

physicians. Successful administration of the various therapies required in the treatment of children with cancer depends largely on safe and reliable venous access. The most diligent care and observation cannot prevent all problems; however, early recognition and management can alter the outcome. Careful adherence to technique adds much to keeping a system secure. There is a large variety of N devices from which to choose based on type and length of therapy ordered, vein condition, physician, availability of skilled personnel, and patient choice. All criteria are variable, but too often patient choice is the last consideration. As often as possible, patients should determine site of insertion, particularly peripheral insertions. The remaining limiting factors in the ability to offer patients the latest in devices and techniques are physician preference and treatment demands. -

From HMSS, Inc., Houston, 7X © 1991

by Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses.

Downloaded from jpo.sagepub.com at Scott Memorial Library @ Thomas Jefferson University on March 11, 2015

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Skilled

pediatric nurses involved in N therapy owe a responsibility to both their peers and their patients update and maintain skill levels and knowledge of current devices. Professional organizations offer members the opportunity to share experience and knowledge. Many manufacturers present seminars and provide educational videotapes to assist nurses in ongoing educational opporto

tunities.

In order to offer patients the latest in technology with the best of technique, pediatric nurses should keep informed of all advances in IV therapy. Patients depend on their caregivers; they trust that skill, technology, and knowledge are working for their recovery.

Conference Proceedings Informed Consent for Treatment of Childhood Cancer: Factors Affecting Parents’ Decision Making Robin Kramer, RN, MS, Ki Moore, RN, DNSc, and Gail Perin, RN, MSN

Kathy Ruccione, RN, MPH,

First Place Davol Excellence in Research Award Both the treatment for childhood cancer and the legal requirements for gaining parents’ consent to treatment have become increasingly complex. The purpose of the exploratory investigation reported here was to identify influential circumstances surrounding the consent process in the pediatric setting, to describe the relationship of parental anxiety to these factors, and to delineate related practice and research implications. A number of investigators working with adult oncology patients have reported that despite the best intentions of nurses and physicians, information about treatment and its potential side effects may not be given in a way that patients can absorb, retain, and recall when needed. The potential consequences of this lack of knowledge may be lethal or may adversely affect the quality of patients’ lives while they are receiving treatment. Little has been documented about parents’ comprehension of treatment information when the cancer patient is a child. Analysis of factors influencing the informed consent process could be used in planning educational and supportive interventions as well as further research. Parents of children entered on one of five Childrens Cancer Study Group (CCSG) protocols for the treatment of newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and the University of California San Francisco were asked to complete two questionnaires within 48 hours after consenting to treatment: the State-Trait Anxiety Index and the Parent Informed Consent Questionnaire. A total of 28 parents participated, 17 mothers and 11 fathers. Their mean age was greater than 34 years, and they averaged 13 years of education. The mean age of patients was 7.46 years, and the majority were female (n 19). According to CCSG criteria at study entry, there =

From Childrens

Hospital Los Angeles and University of Califomia at San Francisco, CA University at San Francisco, CA. © 1991 by Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses. of Arizorna, Tuscon AZ and Uniwrsity of Califomia

Downloaded from jpo.sagepub.com at Scott Memorial Library @ Thomas Jefferson University on March 11, 2015

Overview of venous access devices.

64 Overview of Small-Volume Portable Infusion Pumps Millie Lawson, RN During the past decade numerous small-volume portable infusion pumps have been...
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