How to Set Up an IV

An IV must be set up for unstable patients in need of intravenous fluids or intravenous medications. IV assembly should be performed quickly and accurately to avoid patient deterioration and contamination. The best way to succeed is to develop a routine and practice until you're fast but accurate.

Things You'll Need

• Gloves
• IV bag
• Drip set

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Instructions

• 1

  Put on gloves, remove the IV bag from its protective packaging, and discard the packaging.

• 2

  Remove the rubber pigtail found on the end of the IV bag by pulling on it; discard the pigtail. The bag is still sealed and should not leak until this port is punctured.

• 3

  Remove and discard the protective covering from the sterile piercing spike on the drip set. Slide the spike into the port until solution begins to enter the drip chamber.

• 4

  Allow the solution to run through the drip chamber and flush all of the air out of the tubing.

• 5

  Twist but do not remove the sterile cover on the opposite end of the tubing, to allow air to flush out.

• 6

  Allow fluid to flow until all air bubbles are removed.

• 7

  Turn the roller clamp wheel to stop the flow.

• 8

  Go back to observe the drip chamber. It should be filled half-way. If the fluid is still low, squeeze the chamber until it's halfway filled.

• 9

  Hang the bag on an IV hook or stand and place the tubing where it's easily accessed.