INTENSIVE CARE NURSING, 1986, I, 154-155 0 Longman Group 1986

NEWS

HAZARD WARNING

A hazard warning has been issued by the Department of Health and Social Services in Northern Ireland (and other parts of the UK). This includes the following information:

‘Infusion pumps onto which liquid has been split have in a number ofcases become faulty and frequently resulted in overinfusion. ingress of the liquid has affected the control of the infusion rate. Various makes of pump have been affected, but devices incorporating rotary switches for flow rate selection appear to be the most vulnerable.’

Recommendations All pump users should observe the following DO’s and DONT’s:

DON’T disconnect parts of the infusion system con- taining liquid when they are directly above the pump.

DON’T use a pump if it is suspected that spillage has occurred.

DON’T leave a pump unattended until it is certain that the desired flow rate has been established.

DO check the delivered volume at frequent intervals to ensure the desired flow rate is being maintained.

DO position pumps from potential sources of spillage. DO protect the pump from spillage. Means ofprotect-

ing certain parts of the pump may be pro- vided by some manufacturers.

DO wipe up spilt liquid promptly with an absorbent cloth.

DO report any liquid spillage that may have entered the pump and request that the pump is checked, before further use, by the Hospital (Works and Maintenance) Department.

Hazard notice: Hazard No: 6/85/64 HN (Hazard) (85) 4 (English Equivalent)

PRODUCT NEWS

All information is as supplied by the manufacturers, who should be contacted for any further details required.

A major breakthrough in mouth-to-mouth resusci- tation, the Sussex Valve Airway incorporates a patented non-rebreathing valve which isolates the first- aider from the casualty. The ‘blow-suck’ cycle can be carried out in complete safety without removing the mouth from the mouthpiece. Add this to the efficiency of the Sussex Valve itself, and resuscitation becomes almost effortless-prolonging the casualty’s chance of renewed life. Manufacturer: Tandisdale Medical, Lewes Road, Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5AA, Tel. 034 282 3271.

154

Blood potassium levels can now be measured quickly and accurately using a new hand held potassium monitor at the patient’s bedside, eg. for patients with diabetes, renal failure, or cardiac dysrhythmias or infarction. Using samples of less than 1 ml of whole blood the KlOO Potassium Monitor will measure potassium levels of2-8 mJK + /litre with an accuracy of 0.1 mMK + /l 1. Manufacturers: Simonsen and Wee1 Ltd, Ruxley Corner, Sidcup, Kent DA14 5BL.

INTENSIVE CARE NURSING 15.5

The section 0; faecal incontinence was written by The TENS Pulsar range of pain management pro- Mr M. M. Henry, Consultant Proctologist at St Marks

ducts now include an obstetric unit for the drug-free Hospital, London. The booklet has an ISBN number relief of pain during childbirth. Clinical trials have for library purposes.

ANNOUNCEMENT

The editorial team and publishers are sorry about probably with two issues combined in one at some time unavoidable delay in receiving Intensive Care Nursing during the year. Of course all readers will receive the experienced by our readers in 1985. It is planned to full number of issues for which they have subscribed. complete the first eight issues by the end of 1986,