Which of the following is a symptom of infusion pump malfunction?

Which of the following is a symptom of infusion pump malfunction?

• A. Improved drug flow
• B. Pain and swelling at the infusion site
• C. Rapid heartbeat
• D. Allergic reactions

Answer: (B)

A symptom of infusion pump malfunction is pain and swelling at the infusion site. When an infusion pump is not functioning correctly, it may not deliver the prescribed medication at the intended rate, which can lead to complications such as infiltration or extravasation. These conditions occur when the medication leaks into surrounding tissues instead of being delivered into the vein, resulting in localized pain, swelling, and possibly redness. Improved drug flow would be indicative of proper functioning rather than malfunction. Rapid heartbeat and allergic reactions are systemic responses that may occur due to various drug interactions or patient sensitivities but are not directly linked to an infusion pump's operational status. Therefore, recognizing pain and swelling at the infusion site is crucial in identifying potential issues with the infusion pump, prompting immediate assessment and intervention.

A symptom of infusion pump malfunction is pain and swelling at the infusion site. When an infusion pump is not functioning correctly, it may not deliver the prescribed medication at the intended rate, which can lead to complications such as infiltration or extravasation. These conditions occur when the medication leaks into surrounding tissues instead of being delivered into the vein, resulting in localized pain, swelling, and possibly redness.

Improved drug flow would be indicative of proper functioning rather than malfunction. Rapid heartbeat and allergic reactions are systemic responses that may occur due to various drug interactions or patient sensitivities but are not directly linked to an infusion pump's operational status. Therefore, recognizing pain and swelling at the infusion site is crucial in identifying potential issues with the infusion pump, prompting immediate assessment and intervention.