4. Infusions

4.1 Patients may arrive at the Operating Suite with an intravenous infusion already set up. If so, the Anaesthetic Nurse should check that the infusion is running freely, check the flask which is up and ensure that it does not run out before the anaesthetic is commenced and check the patient's record for the presence of a fluid balance chart.

4.2 If an infusion is commenced in the Operating Suite, it may be started in the Anaesthetic Room or the Operating Room. In either case, the Anaesthetic Nurse should ascertain beforehand if the Anaesthetist wishes to commence an infusion, the nature of the fluid, type of giving set and if a blood warmer is required. The infusion can then be set up and left on the drip stand ready to use.

4.3 When an infusion is commenced in the Operating Room the nature of the fluid and the volume given is entered on the anaesthetic chart by the Anaesthetist. A fluid balance is initiated in the Operating Room by the Anaesthetic Nurse.

4.4 Prior to transfer of the patient to the Recovery Room, fluid orders should be written by the Anaesthetist on the fluid order sheet to enable to recovery room staff to continue IV administration at the appropriate rate and replace flasks if necessary. PCA and epidural infusion forms must also be checked to ensure that they have been correctly filled in and signed by the Anaesthetist prior to transfer. All infusions must be commenced in the Operating Suite and the medication chart must be signed by both the Anaesthetist and the Anaesthetic Nurse.