CHANGING IV TUBING & REGULATING IV FLOW RATE

Importance of regulating IV flow rates

Appropriate regulation of fluid rates reduces complications (ex. phlebitis, infiltration, fluid overload)

Achieve therapeutic outcomes & fewer complications when an IV system & flow rate are assessed systematically

In the doctor’s order, check for:

• Patient name

• Correct solution: Type, volume, rate, drop factor and duration of IV therapy.

May occur if the tubing is kinked or bent. May become kinked if caught under the patient or on equipment, such as beds and bed rails

Tube occlusion

Height of the fluid container or the iv tubing drip chamber

3 feet above IV insertion site

What to do if cannula is located in an area of flexion and IV flow is interrupted when patient moves around

Replace IV cannula

Why do yo instruct patient not to touch roller clamp and to take care not to bump the clamp

Accidentally changes the flow rate

Hand/arm should be below?

Below heart level

An elevated hand / arm will?

Slow or stop an infusion running by gravity.

Why do you assess IV tubing for kinks or bends?

Kinks or bends in tubing may decrease or stop the flow of IV fluids.

How long do IV solutions before they become outdated. Why change IV solutions regardless of how much solution remains?

24 hrs. To minimize risk of contamination

Evaluate for: (regulating IV)

• Patient’s response

• IV flow & IV insertion sites

Changing primary administration sets & secondary tubing that remains continuously attached should be changed?

No more frequently than every 96 hrs

Change intermittent infusion sets without a primary infusion every?

24 hrs or sterility is in question

Purpose of changing intravenous container and tubing

• To maintain the flow of required fluids

• To maintain sterility of IV system & decrease incidence of phlebitis and infection

• To maintain patency of the IV tubing.

When some of the fluid leaks out into the tissues under the skin where the tube has been put into your vein.

IV infiltration

Inflammation of a vein

Phlebitis

Due to one or more blood clots in a vein that causes inflammation.

Thrombophlebitis

Assess the IV site for?

• Presence of fluid infiltration, leakage, bleeding or phlebitis at IV site

• Allergy to tape or iodine

• Infusion rate and amount absorbed

• Blockage of the IV system

• Appearance of dressing for integrity, moisture, and need for change

Equipment for changing iv container and tubing

• Container with the correct kind & amount of sterile solution

• Administration set, including sterile tubing & drip chamber

Why inspect the IV site for the presence of infiltration or inflammation?

Inflammation or infiltration necessitates removal of the IV catheter to avoid further trauma to the tissues.

Evaluate the following:

• Status of the IV site

• Patency of IV system

• Accuracy of flow

Document..

• Change of the solution container and tubing

• Record fluid intake

• Number of the container

• Date and time started

• Record assessments