What is the primary purpose of an infusion pump?

The primary purpose of an infusion pump is to deliver fluids, medications, or nutrients intravenously in a controlled manner. These devices are designed to ensure accurate and consistent delivery of solutions to patients, which is crucial in various medical scenarios, such as administering intravenous medications, maintaining hydration, or providing nutritional support.

Infusion pumps can be programmed to control the flow rate and volume, minimizing the risk of human error and allowing for precise dosing that is essential for patient safety and effective treatment. This level of control is particularly important in critical care settings where patients may require exact dosages of medications or fluids over time to achieve optimal therapeutic results.

While administering oxygen is vital in patient care, it is not the function of an infusion pump. Monitoring blood pressure is a separate function that involves different equipment, such as sphygmomanometers or automated blood pressure monitors. Similarly, providing nutritional support through feeding tubes typically involves enteral feeding systems rather than infusion pumps, which are specifically designed for intravenous delivery.