methods of iv infusions

primary

aka: maitenace or continuous

• continuous infusion
• maintenance infusion
• can run via gravity or electric pump

examples of primary infusions

• NS @ ml/hr
• NS with 40 meg KCI at 80 ml/hr
• 1/2 NS at 125 ml/hr

priming is done in order to remove all of the air from the tubing

(t/f)

true

• maintain sterility
• close the roller clamp first before priming the tubing

methods of infusion

secondary

aka: IV piggy-back (IVPB)

• connects to the HIGHEST point on the primary infusion line
• when hanging, be sure that it is compatible with the primary infusion

in order to prime a secondary line you can back prime

back priming - connect secondary line to the highest point of the primary line, hold the secondary bag lower than the primary and the fluid will flow into the tubing of the secondary line

methods of infusion

blood administration

• blood products MUST be on a pump
• y-set tubing is for blood products
• the saline does NOT run during the blood transfusion
• prime the saline line first, then prime the blood

• electronic pumps

• pumps will improve the accuracy of delivery of medications
• can be single-channel or multi-channel
• pumps will deliver a present fluid rate over a specified period of time

ALWAYS use a pump with central lines, TPN, titratable medications and blood/blood products

(T/F)

TRUE

ELECTRONIC PUMP ALARMS

occlusion

kinked tubing, IV in A/C, blood clot

electronic pump alarms

air-in line

check entire length of tubing, disconnect from patient and remove air

electronic pump alarms

infusion complete

check infusion to be sure the infusion is truly complete or if it needs to be reprogrammed to meet the VTBI

electronic pump alarms

power

pump must be plugged in often to maintain battery charges

rate of IV infusion

• check the orders
• gravity drip or electronic pump
• check IV site & IV rate least EVERY hour

height of bag

how many inches do you keep above the heart?

keep 36 inches above the heart

slowed infusion rate

• check tubing for kinks
• check clamps- are they closed?
• check iv sit
• e- irritation, catheter can be compressed and/ or clotted

change IV tubing and iv site, how often?

every 72 hours or per facility policy

CHECK iv SITE HOURLY