IV Fluid Management Collection System

Shirley Valentin-Loriston, Leona Demps

The problem was finding a way to simulate fluid infusion using a pump without connecting to a task trainer, while keeping all components confined to the IV pole to maintain realism, flexibility and mobility. This solution is significant because it is highly cost-effective, requires minimal materials, and can be easily replicated. Its practicality makes it especially valuable for hospital-based simulation labs, where such resources are readily available. By addressing a widespread need for efficient and realistic fluid management in simulation, this solution enhances training while minimizing resource demands.

This everyday solution idea for managing fluids from an infusion pump repurposes a hospital urinal as a fluid collection device. The urinal is secured to an IV pole using a tourniquet, ensuring stability and preventing spills. A hole in the lid accommodates IV extension tubing, simulating a connection to an IV catheter and creating a functional fluid management system.

This approach effectively addresses a common challenge in simulation: simulating fluid infusion without connecting to a task trainer, while maintaining realism and containment. By keeping all components confined to the IV pole, just as they would be in a clinical setting, it enhances the suspension of disbelief.

What sets this solution apart is its simplicity and resourcefulness. It uses minimal materials, all of which are readily available in hospital settings, making it highly replicable and cost-effective. Compared to the submission on the site by Dianne Smith, Tub for Trainers: Creating a Low-Cost Skills Trainer for Fluids and Suction, this design stands upright and requires no additional support for the IV tubing to remain in place.

1. Design a realistic, hands-on method for learners to practice priming IV lines and simulating IV connections without relying on a task trainer. This supports skill development in fluid management and equipment handling.
2. Develop a simple, cost-effective system using an IV pole that enables learners to manage fluid infusions from a single, centralized location, enhancing realism and containment during simulation exercises.

1. Urinal with attached lid
2. Box cutter, scalpel or utility knife
3. Tourniquet
4. IV extension tubing

1. Locate the raised circular disc on the top of the urinal lid.

2. Cut a hole in the lid using a box cutter or utility knife to allow insertion of IV tubing. Additional holes can be added if needed for different simulation scenarios.

3. Remove the neutral displacement valve from the IV extension tubing.

4. Insert the IV tubing through the hole in the urinal lid from underneath, using the end where the neutral displacement valve was removed.

5. Reattach the neutral displacement valve to the tubing.

6. Secure the urinal to the IV pole using a tourniquet to ensure stability and prevent spills.

7. Loosen or untie the tourniquet when emptying or cleaning the container.

8. Flush IV extension tubing with an alcohol-water solution.