A comparison between single and double-pump syringe changes of intravenous inotropic medications in children.

The purpose of this study was to examine the consistency of dosage delivery of inotropic medications when changing syringes in syringe pumps. Two nursing practices of syringe changes were compared: single-pump (SP) versus double-pump (DP). The SP syringe change involved using one and the same pump, and changing only the syringe. The DP syringe change involved using another pump. This other pump infuses simultaneously, for a period of time, at the same dose as the pump containing the syringe that is to be discarded. Data collection included the volume and concentration of fluid when the syringes were changed. Volume measurement, biochemical analysis and spectrophotometry were used to analyze the data. The findings suggest that the DP practice for syringe changes provides better consistency in the dosage delivery of inotropic medications. However, the SP practice can also be highly suitable when considering the overall benefits and risks of both practices of syringe changes. Implications for nursing are discussed.