Table 20:

Managing Dead Volume: Knowledge Test Scores

Concepts	Average Test Scorea		Test Score Difference	Statistics
	Baseline	After Education Module
1. Identification of dead volume in an infusion setup	98%	95%	-3%	—
2. Changes to a connected continuous IV infusion flow rate in a multiple IV infusion setup instantaneously changes the dead volume infusion mixture (where the IVs mix together in the tubing) and the flow rate of all connected IV infusions	88%	83%	-5%	—
3. Changes to a connected continuous IV infusion flow rate does not instantaneously result in the desired dose at the patient's bloodstream (i.e., there is a time lag during which the dead volume must be cleared and a new steady state established prior to achieving the desired change)	28%	53%	+25%	—
4. The rate of the syringe flush (sodium chloride 0.9%) given after the medication IV push determines the rate at which the remaining medication in the IV tubing or dead volume is delivered	80%	88%	+8%	—
Average for All Dead Volume Management Questions	73%	79%	+6%	t(39) = 1.53 P = 0.13

Abbreviation: IV, intravenous.

^an = 40.