Infusion Pump Errors
Send occlusion and air-in-line errors to student tablets for diagnosis and resolution practice.
Infusion Pump Errors
The Infusion Pump Errors tab on the instructor toolbar lets you send simulated pump alarms to student tablets. Two error types are available — Occlusion and Air in Line. When an error is sent, the student's pump sounds an alarm, flashes a warning light, and stops the infusion. Students must answer a multiple-choice question to resolve the error, and an optional checklist mode adds a step-by-step resolution workflow.
Error Types
| Error | Trigger | Student Display |
|---|---|---|
| Occlusion | Line blocked or kinked | "OCCLUDED" alarm with flashing light |
| Air in Line | Air detected in tubing | "Air In Line" alarm with flashing light |
Both errors stop the infusion immediately. The pump cannot be restarted until the student correctly resolves the error.
Sending an Error (Instructor)
Open the Infusion Pump Errors Tab
Navigate to the Infusion Pump Errors tab on the instructor toolbar.
Send the Error
Press Send Air in Line or Send Occlusion to trigger the corresponding alarm on the student tablet.
Enable Checklist Mode (Optional)
Check Require Checklist Completion before sending if you want students to complete a step-by-step resolution checklist after the multiple-choice question. See Checklist Mode below for details.
Monitor Student Responses
View student answers and progress in the 2-way communication window (lower-left corner of the instructor screen). This window can be toggled open or closed.
Resolving an Error (Student)
Alarm Triggers
The pump sounds an alarm, the warning light flashes, and the infusion stops automatically.
Read the Error Prompt
A prompt appears on screen describing the error — for example, "An Occlusion Alarm is Occurring. What is your next step?"
Select the Correct Answer
Choose the correct response from the multiple-choice options presented.
Confirm Correct Selection
A green Correct Selection confirmation appears when the right answer is chosen. If an incorrect answer is selected, the student can try again.
Restart the Infusion
After resolving the error, restart the infusion to continue the simulation.
Checklist Mode
Extended Resolution Workflow
When Require Checklist Completion is enabled by the instructor, students must complete a pump-specific checklist after answering the multiple-choice question. This provides a more thorough assessment of error resolution skills.
The checklist walks students through the physical steps required to resolve the pump error. Example checklist items include:
- Pause the infusion
- Inspect the IV line for kinks or obstructions
- Check the IV insertion site for patency
- Examine the drip chamber
- Verify all connections are secure
Progress is tracked on screen (e.g., "3 of 9 steps completed"). Once all steps are complete, the student can restart the infusion. The completed checklist can be exported using the Export Checklist button for documentation or grading.
Related Resources
- Instructor Operations — sending media, managing drugs, and simulation controls
- Generic Pump Operations — core pump functions and infusion modes