Why do IV bottles need to be vented?
A vented/nonvented or “universal” spike allows for the use of an administration set with all types of solution containers. The vent should be open when infusing from noncollapsible containers (glass and semi-rigid plastic) and closed when infusing from collapsible plastic containers (bags).
What is the purpose of the IV tubing slide clamp?
The slide clamp, on the other hand, is used as an “on-off” switch. It provides an extra degree of safety if you want to be sure no fluid is moving in the IV tubing. The drip chamber is part of any IV tubing which allows visual inspection of fluid movement.
What is the difference between primary and secondary IV tubing?
A secondary IV is usually used for medications and usually contains a smaller volume than the primary IV; secondary IV bags are usually 50-250 mL, while the most frequently used primary IV bags are 500 or 1000 mL.
How much air in IV tubing is too much?
In most cases, it will require at least 50 mL of air to result in significant risk to life, however, there are case studies in which 20 mLs or less of air rapidly infused into the patient’s circulation has resulted in a fatal air embolism.
What type of IV solution container must be vented?
Vented IV sets, also known as vented IV tubing, are ideal for hard plastic or glass containers. Vented IV sets have a small vent that can be opened and closed to allow for air to enter and displace the fluid as it leaves. The fluid will not flow from a rigid IV container unless it is vented.
Can you run albumin through an IV pump?
Albumin is compatible with all IV solutions.
How do you reuse IV tubing?
If the tubing has been used less than three days, disconnect the IV tubing from the cap on your catheter and place a new red cap onto the end of the flow controller tubing (this will keep the IV tubing sterile for reuse). Keep empty bag attached to tubing (see next section to learn how to reuse tubing).
Can you use the same IV tubing for different medications?
The medication you infuse through the same line must be the same. If you are infusing different medications, then you will need to use a different tubing for each one. You may not use the same tubing longer than 24hrs. The exception to this is if you are infusing fluids continuously (without interruptions.)
How long can you use primary tubing?
administration set changes. Change primary administration sets and any piggyback (secondary) tubing that remains continuously attached to them every 72 hours to minimize breaks in the closed administration system. Also replace them whenever the sterile fluid pathway may have been compromised.
What does primary IV tubing have that secondary IV tubing may not have?
Primary IV tubing is used to infuse continuous or intermittent fluids or medication. Secondary IV tubing: Shorter in length than primary tubing, with no access ports or backcheck valve; when connected to a primary line via an access port, used to infuse intermittent medications or fluids.
What happens if you get an air bubble in your IV?
When an air bubble enters a vein, it’s called a venous air embolism. When an air bubble enters an artery, it’s called an arterial air embolism. These air bubbles can travel to your brain, heart, or lungs and cause a heart attack, stroke, or respiratory failure.
