Generic Pump Operations
Core pump operations including primary infusion, secondary infusion, bolus, dose-based, and weight-based drug delivery.
Generic Pump Operations
The Generic Pump is the core engine that drives all SimVS-IV pump calculations. Every pump interface — Alaris, Plum, Sigma, Infusomat, Universal, and PCA — uses the same underlying calculation system. Understanding the Generic Pump operations is essential before moving to any specific pump interface.
Start Here
We recommend all users become familiar with these generic operations before using individual pump interfaces. The specific pumps add their own UI and workflow, but the core concepts remain the same.
Shared Pump Features
All SimVS-IV pumps share a common operational flow:
- Connection — Establish WiFi and pair devices
- Start Pump — Power on and navigate the pump interface
- Select Unit — Choose the care area (Adult, Pediatric, PCA)
- Select Drug — Pick a medication from the drug library
- Navigate Selections — Confirm drug and dosing parameters
- Enter Data — Set rate, VTBI, and time values
- Running — Monitor the active infusion
- Access Secondary/Bolus — Switch to secondary infusion or bolus mode
Basic Infusion — Primary
A primary infusion is the standard continuous IV delivery mode. This is the most common infusion type.
Select a Drug
From the drug library, choose the medication for the primary infusion. Drugs are organized by category (Adult, Pediatric, PCA).
Set Rate
Enter the infusion Rate in mL/hr. This determines how fast the medication is delivered.
Set VTBI
Enter the Volume To Be Infused (VTBI) in mL. This is the total volume of medication to deliver.
Review and Start
Verify the rate and VTBI values, then press Start to begin the primary infusion. The pump will display the running status with volume infused and time remaining.
Basic Infusion — Secondary
A secondary (piggyback) infusion delivers a second medication while the primary infusion is paused or running at a reduced rate.
Access Secondary Mode
While a primary infusion is active, navigate to the Secondary option. This is typically accessible from the running screen or options menu.
Select Drug and Set Parameters
Choose the secondary medication and enter the Rate and VTBI for the secondary infusion.
Start Secondary
Press Start to begin the secondary infusion. The primary infusion will pause automatically and resume once the secondary infusion is complete.
Bolus
A bolus delivers a rapid single dose of medication over a short period.
Access Bolus Mode
From the running screen or options menu, navigate to the Bolus option.
Set Bolus Parameters
Enter the bolus Rate (typically higher than primary) and VTBI (the bolus volume).
Start Bolus
Press Start to deliver the bolus. The pump will return to the primary infusion after the bolus is complete.
Dose-Based Drugs
Dose-based drugs are configured with specific dosing parameters in the drug library. When a dose-based drug is selected, the pump calculates the delivery rate based on the drug's concentration and the prescribed dose.
Select a Dose-Based Drug
Choose a drug that is configured as Dosage type in the drug library.
Enter Dose
Enter the prescribed dose. The pump automatically calculates the appropriate infusion rate based on the drug's concentration.
Start Infusion
Review the calculated rate and press Start.
Weight-Based Drugs
Weight-based drugs calculate delivery rates based on the patient's weight. This is common for many IV medications where dosing depends on body mass.
Select a Weight-Based Drug
Choose a drug configured as Weight type in the drug library.
Enter Patient Weight
Enter the patient's weight. The pump uses this along with the drug's concentration to calculate the appropriate rate.
Start Infusion
Review the calculated rate and press Start.
Additional Pumps
SimVS-IV includes multiple pump interfaces that all share these core operations. Each pump adds its own unique user interface and workflow. See the individual pump guides:
- Alaris — Channel-based pump with guardrail drug selection
- Plum — Care area selection with keyboard drug search
- Sigma — Dual-channel pump with A/B programming
- Infusomat — Horizontal display with field-based digit entry
- Universal — Web-style interface with dropdown selection
- PCA — Patient Controlled Analgesia with lockout intervals