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Agilia SP PCA bolus options

There are four bolus options when using the Agilia SP PCA.

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The options available depend on the MODE you are using.

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PCA mode: Continuous, bolus only, continuous and bolus & variable

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Patient initiated bolus.  This bolus is given via the bolus handset given to the patient.

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A blue light on the PCA handset shows that the bolus handset is active.  The blue light will not illuminate if running in a non-PCA mode.

 

If the PCA button on the handset is pressed and there is no bolus lockout active then the patient will receive a bolus.  The lockout period will then be reset and the duration before another patient-initiated bolus is available shown on the screen.

 

If you have cumulative limits set for your PCA drug protocol then the total number of patient-initiated boluses within a set period may, one the cumulative limit is reached, disable the ability for the patient to give themselves a bolus.

 

In this scenario either wait until the cumulative period set has passed and the limits are reset or if clinically appropriate you can modify the prescription and increase the cumulative limits.

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NOTES  A blue light on the handset DOES NOT mean the lockout period has ended and a PCA bolus is available.  It is designed to show that the PCA handset is active and also as a night light in the evening to aid in locating the handset in low light conditions.

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Depending on how your individual PCA mode drug protocol has been set up by your Pharmacist the option of a patient-initiated bolus may be disabled.

 

If running in a non-PCA mode then pressing the bolus button on the patient handset will not initiate a bolus.  A beep will be heard but no bolus will be given.

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Clinician bolus.  This bolus is given via the pump and requires a four-digit code to access.

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A Clinician bolus can be given at any time.  This includes during the lockout period for the patient-initiated bolus or even if the cumulative limit has been reached.

 

NOTE  Depending on how your individual PCA mode drug protocol has been set up by your Pharmacist the option of a Clinician bolus may be disabled.

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When reviewing the PCA history and treatment history the use of Clinical bolus can be seen by a number beside the nurse's hat icon as shown below.

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General mode: mL/hr & dose rate

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Direct bolus.  This bolus is given via the pump.  It requires holding down the bolus key to give the bolus.  Immediately when the bolus key is released the bolus will stop.

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When giving a direct bolus you will hear the pump beep for every 1mL of bolus given.

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The rate of the direct bolus and the maximum volume is set by your pharmacist and may vary between different drug protocols.

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NOTE  Depending on how your individual general mode drug protocol has been set up by your Pharmacist the option of a direct bolus may be disabled.

 

Programmed bolus.  This bolus is given via the pump.  It is initiated by pressing the bolus key then selecting the programmed bolus option as shown on the screen.

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The programmed bolus can be customised by pressing the key with a notepad and pencil above it.  Here, the VTBI and the duration can be changed if required.  Changing the duration will also automatically change the mL/hr rate.  Both duration and the calculated mL/hr rate are shown on the same screen.

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The programmed bolus is typically used for larger volume boluses than with direct bolus as it does not require the user to hold in the bolus button to continue with the bolus administration.

 

The maximum and minimum duration/rate of the programmed bolus and the maximum volume is set by your pharmacist and may vary between different drug protocols.

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NOTE  Depending on how your individual general mode drug protocol has been set up by your Pharmacist the option of a programmed bolus may be disabled.

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The video below goes through the PCA mode, and general mode, bolus options.

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