Checklist of equipment

• 9v Battery
• Luer-lok syringe (usually 10ml but 20ml or 30ml may be used)
• infusion or (giving) set (chose the smallest volume)
• fine gauge needle (23G or 25G butterfly)
• clear adhesive film dressing
• diluent (usually water for injection)
• medication as prescribed
• label to be attached to the syringe

Preparing the infusion:

• note the volume (ml) that measures 48mm in length. This will vary with different makes and sizes of syringe
• dissolve powdered drugs to be used with sterile water for injection
• draw up drugs into the syringe and dilute to the volume required with sterile water for injection
• invert the syringe several times to ensure good mixing
• the infusion line will need to be primed if you are initiating treatment or re-siting the infusion. Connect the infusion (giving set) to the luer lock and prime the infusion line with the contents of the syringe
• label the syringe clearly with the patient's name and infusion contents and dose

Reference:

• (1) West Midlands Palliative Care Physicians (2007). Palliative care - guidelines for the use of drugs in symptom control.