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Temperature Effects on CSCI Stability — SCE Palliative Medicine MCQ

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ModerateSyringe Driver & Drug CompatibilityTemperature Effects on CSCI StabilitySCE Palliative Medicine

A palliative care pharmacist is asked about the stability of drugs in the continuous subcutaneous infusion (CSCI) at high ambient temperatures. A hospice patient’s room temperature is 28 °C. What is the primary concern?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Higher temperatures accelerate drug degradation and may alter compatibility — change the syringe every 24 hours, and shield it from heat and sunlight

Explanation lettering: E = shown as C · C = shown as D · D = shown as E

Option C is correct. UK palliative care guidance emphasises that ambient heat and direct light can destabilise CSCI mixtures, and that infusions must be changed every 24 hours as compatibility and stability data are limited to that period. Operating CSCI at 28 °C increases the chemical degradation risk compared with usual room temperature. Distractors are incorrect: A and E are contradicted by guidance; B (refrigeration) is impractical and not recommended; D ignores established thermal sensitivity.

Reference: Scottish Palliative Care Guidelines: Syringe pump/driver practice points (protect from heat/light; change every 24 h); NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde guidance: avoid hot environments, protect from sunlight, change infusion every 24 h, 2026.