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flushed face

headache and dizziness

congestion of the chest

tachycardia and fall in blood pressure

syncope

shock

cardiovascular collapse (Perucca 2010, Weinstein and Plumer 2007).

Prevention of speed shock involves the nurse having knowledge of the drug and the recommended rate of administration. When commencing an infusion using gravity flow, check that the solution is flowing freely before adjusting the rate and monitored regularly (Perucca 2010). Movement of the patient or the device within the vessel can cause the infusion to flow more or less freely after a few minutes of setting the rate (Weinstein and Plumer 2007). For high-risk medications an electronic flow control device is recommended (RCN 2010). Although most pumps have an anti-free flow mechanism, always close the roller clamp prior to removing the set from the pump (MHRA 2006a, Pickstone 1999). If speed shock occurs, the infusion must be slowed down or discontinued. Medical staff should be notified immediately and the patient’s condition treated as clinically indicated (Perucca 2010).

Websites

MHRA. How we regulate medicines section: www.mhra.gov.uk

WHO. Medicines: safety of medicines – adverse drug reactions. Factsheet No.293:

www.medicines.org.uk/EMC/medicine/21309/SPC/Kentura+oxybutynin+transdermal+patch

References

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Amoore, J., Dewar, D., Ingram, P. and Lowe, D. (2001) Syringe pumps and start up time: ensuring safe practice. Nursing Standard, 15 (17), 43–45.

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Audit Commission (2001) A Spoonful of Sugar: Medicines Management in NHS Hospitals. Audit Commission, London.

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BNF (2011) British National Formulary. BMJ Group and RPS Publishing, London.

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Care Quality Commission (2009) The safer management of controlled drugs. Annual report 2008. Care Quality Commission, London.

Chernecky, C., Butler, S. W., Graham, P. and Infortuna, H. (2002) Drug Calculations and Drug Administration. W.B Saunders, Philadelphia.

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