How to Add J-Loops to IV Tubing

Intravenous (IV) therapy is a method of introducing medications and fluids directly into the body via direct access to a vein. The therapies are initiated by threading a thin, plastic tube or catheter into a vein using a small, hollow needle. The needle is removed once the IV has been established. The end of the catheter or hub is then connected to a fluid delivery line or plastic tubing known as a lock, for medication delivery. Securing the line and hub properly is an important part of keeping the line patent or open and keeping the patient safe. A J-Loop or safety loop is the most common IV securing method.

Things You'll Need

• J-loop extension set
• Intravenous tubing
• Disposable gloves
• Soap
• Water

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Instructions

Manual J-Loop

• 1

  Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Make sure you clean between your fingers and past your wrist. To prevent the spread of bacteria, it is important that your hands are clean anytime you are working with intravenous tubing.

• 2

  Put on a pair of disposable gloves. The gloves create a barrier between your hands and the tubing as well as any bodily fluids such as blood that may be within the tubing.

• 3

  Use one hand to grasp the established IV line two finger lengths from the hub of the IV catheter. The hub is the portion of the catheter that remains above the skin following insertion. It is also where the IV tubing is connected to the IV site. It is typically colored to correspond to the size of the needle that was used. Be careful when working with this area as you do not want to pull the hub out of the site.

• 4

  Place your free hand on the IV tubing. Loop the tubing up toward the patient. This will create a "J" shape in the tubing. The "J" shape protects the integrity of the IV line by keeping it close to the patient, preventing it from being pulled out. The shape also keeps the line in the proper position for effective fluid and medication delivery.

• 5

  Secure the loop by placing tape or a commercial securing device over the IV line approximately 1 inch from the bottom of the loop. The tape should go from one side of the "J" to the other to ensure it will remain in place.

J-Loop Connector Set

• 6

  Open the J-tubing packaging. Inspect the tube to make sure it is intact. The tube should be discarded if there are signs of breakage, mold or mildew.

• 7

  Clamp off the top of the IV tubing by sliding a tube clamp over the line or by stopping the chamber flow by rolling the flow regulator to "Stop." This prevents medications and fluids from spilling out while you are adding the J-loop.

• 8

  Grasp the IV tubing connector on one side of the catheter hub. The tubing connector is a clear plastic male connector piece located on the end of the tubing. Hold the hub in place with the other hand. Twist the IV tubing connector to the left to disconnect the line from the hub.

• 9

  Insert the male end of the J-Loop tubing into the female end of the IV catheter hub. Twist the connector to the right to secure it in place.

• 10

  Insert the male end of the IV tubing line into the female end of the J-Loop connector. Twist the tubing connector to the right to secure it in place.

• 11

  Unclamp the IV line. Inspect the drip chamber to see if it is flowing. Drops should be entering the chamber at the set delivery rate. Look at the line in each of the connecting points to make sure nothing is leaking from them. If there is fluid leaking at the connection sites, tighten them by twisting to the right. Look at the IV insertion site to make sure the IV line is still patent. If there are signs of intravenous infiltration such as redness, swelling or pain at the site, the IV should be removed.

• 12

  Secure the J-Loop connector by placing a piece of tape or commercial securing device midway up the loop. The tape should go across each side of the loop.