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How to Change IV Tubing

Adequate circulation is essential to support life. When blood and fluids are lost the cardiovascular system does not function properly, so those fluids must be replaced with outside sources (Lactated Ringers, donated blood etc.) or a person can find themselves in serious trouble. Medical professionals are trained to treat blood and fluid loss through intravenous therapy. While the task may appear simple, it requires adequate preparation and more than a small amount of skill.

Things You'll Need

  • IV fluids
  • IV tubing
  • Tape
  • Non-latex gloves
  • Tagaderm
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Instructions

  1. Prepping the Fluid Bag and Tubing

    • 1

      Remove the fluid bag from the protective covering. Ensure that you have properly cleaned your hands and are donning non-latex exam gloves.

    • 2

      Inspect the bag to ensure that you have selected the correct fluid and check the fluid for clarity.

    • 3

      Squeeze the bag to determine if there are any leaks and check the expiration date on the bag. If there are leaks or the bag is expired, discard the bag in the appropriate trash receptacle. Set the bag aside on a sterile surface.

    • 4

      Remove the IV tubing set from the wrapper and visually inspect the tubing for tears, holes and deterioration.

    • 5

      Remove the protective covering from the port of the fluid bag and the protective covering from the spiked end of the infusion tubing.

    • 6

      Insert the spiked end of the tubing into the bag port. Fill the drip chamber by alternately squeezing and releasing it.

    • 7

      Remove the protective covering from the needle adapter and flush all of the air out of the tubing by opening the flow adjustment valve. Close the flow adjustment valve and recap the needle adapter.

    Removing the Old Tubing

    • 8

      Stop the drip on the old bag by closing the roller clamp. Remove the bag from the from the hanging device. Set the bag alongside the patient.

    • 9

      Remove the tape from the old IV tubing that is connected to the patient's arm.

    • 10

      Place pressure above the catheter site with your pinky and ring-fingers while simultaneously pinching the catheter with your thumb and pointer fingers of the same hand. Hold the catheter in place. With the other hand remove the old IV tubing from the catheter port.

    • 11

      Uncap the new IV tubing line (where the needle adapter is) and fit the tubing into the catheter.

    • 12

      Secure the catheter by placing a piece of Tagaderm over the site. Tape down the tubing to the patients arm to secure it. Leave enough slack to prevent discomfort when the bag is hung. Hang the bag and start the drip according to hospital protocol and treatment directives.

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