Scenarios:
(1) The patient or family member intentionally increases the rate of narcotic delivery.
(2) Someone accidentally bumps into or jostles the pump, altering its settings.
(3) Someone (for example a child) plays with the pump controls.
Steps to prevent tampering:
(1) Only use a hospital pump (do not let the patient bring a pump into the hospital).
(2) Password protect the pump programs. If the pump is shipped with a standard code, then change the password and keep it secure,
(3) Physically secure and lock the pump controls.
(4) Block the view of the patient or family of the keyboard when accessing the pump.
(5) Document the rate of infusion and audit the total dosage administered versus the amount prescribed.
(6) Review the pump's history log and compare with the treatment plan.
(7) Monitor the adequacy of pain control in the patient.
(8) Monitor the patient for signs of respiratory depression or other signs of overdosage.
