Why do I need a McKinley T34 syringe pump?
Using a pump does not mean that your medicines have stopped
working or are not strong enough. It’s just that sometimes it is
easier for you to be given your medicines this way and your
nurse will tell you why in more detail.
Two common reasons are listed below: -
It may because you have been feeling sick or have been sick,
and find it hard to keep your medicines down. Medicines to
stop you being sick can be given by the pump at the same
time as other medicines to help with symptoms such as
pain. Once you have stopped being sick you might be able
to go back to swallowing your medicines.
It may be because you cannot swallow or absorb medicines
given by mouth. The pump gives you the medicines you need
in a different way and means that you do not need a lot of
injections.
Living with your McKinley T34 syringe pump
A nurse will check regularly to see how you are. He or she will
check the pump and also check that the skin around the cannula
is not red, swollen or sore. If you are at home the nurse will
check when they visit. You or the person who looks after you
may be asked if either of you would like to do the checks. The
nurse will tell you exactly what to do. A nurse will put new
medicine(s) into the syringe every 24 hours.
Sometimes you may need to take some other medicines even
though you have a pump. If you are at home and are able to
swallow medicines, make sure you have enough tablets,
capsules or liquids to take should you need to take them for
pain, sickness or anxiety. Please let the nurse know if you have
taken any medicines that are not in your pump when he/she next
visits
You should keep the pump and the cannula site dry. If you drop
the pump into water, you must contact the nurse as soon as
possible, as you will need a new syringe pump.
You should not allow the syringe to be exposed to direct
sunlight.
You should not place the pump near anything hot, such as a
heat pad, electric blanket or hot water bottle.
You can go out and about with the pump, as it is small enough
to be put into a bag that can be worn over the shoulder.
If you drive, you should ask the nurse if the medicines in the
pump will affect your driving.
Try to keep mobile phones that are switched on about an arm’s
length away, as they may affect the way the pump works.
How will I know that my McKinley T34 syringe pump is
working?
The light above the ‘ON/OFF’ button flashes green every 64
seconds. If it turns red, there is a problem with the pump and
you should contact the nurse as soon as possible. Your nurse
will discuss with you what to do if the alarm sounds.