Hanging + Priming an IV Line

what checks happen before you use an iv bag?

• the bag label matches the eMAR/MAR

• solution and additives verified

• clarity/color/leaks/expiration checked/ barcode scanned

• right patient confirmed with id band

what extra label can you put on the iv container?

• patient name, solution type

• additives

• date and time

how to keep sterile technique

keep the bag entry site and the spike sterile when opening and handling the set

iv administration set

the primary tubing that connects the bag to the patient

• includes spike, drip chamber, roller clamp, injection ports, distal connector

drip chamber

clear chamber to count drops and trap air

• fill halfway

spike

rigid sterile tip that punctures the bag’s entry port

roller clamp

part of the tubing used to open, close, and fine-tune gravity flow

injection port (on primary set)

access point on the tubing to connect secondary lines or give compatible meds

priming

filling the entire tubing with iv solution to remove air before connection

why clamp the tubing before spiking the bag?

to keep air and fluid from moving during setup

how do you spike a bag?

1. close roller clamp

2. invert bag, remove bag cap without touching

3. remove spike cap

4. twist and push spike into entry site until seated

why keep the entry site and spike sterile?

contamination means the set or bag must be discarded

when do you hang the bag and fill the drip chamber?

after spiking

• hang on iv pole and fill chamber halfway

how full should the drip chamber be?

about half full

why fill the drip chamber halfway?

creates a fluid barrier to stop air; allows drop counting

how do you prime the tubing?

1. open roller clamp

2. let solution run until all air is gone and tubing is full

3. close clamp

4. keep distal end sterile and capped

why prime the tubing?

to purge air and prevent air embolus and inaccurate flow

what if your set requires removing the distal cap to prime?

remove cap per manufacturer

• maintain sterility

• allow flow until full

• recap distal end

what should you do if air remains after priming?

tap tubing so bubbles rise into drip chamber

• re-prime until air is gone

how do you load tubing into an electronic pump?

1. insert and seat tubing exactly per pump manufacturer

2. set ordered rate

why follow pump instructions exactly?

ensures accurate delivery and proper alarms

what do you document after setup?

solution name and volume; additives; start time; pump rate if used; iv site condition; patient response

when adjusting flow by gravity, what controls the rate?

the roller clamp on the primary tubing