How to Prime Gravity Tubing

Whether you are a nursing student, a home-care provider or a family member of a disabled or seriously ill person, priming a gravity tube is one of the more basic skills you will need to acquire. Gravity tubing is used for administering intravenous (IV) medication or for feeding tubes and must be primed to prevent introduction of gas bubbles into the veins or stomach. Throughout the process, remember to maintain sterile procedures to avoid accidental infection.

Things You'll Need

• IV pole
• Alcohol or antibacterial cleaner
• IV bag or bottle

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Instructions

• 1

  Place the IV pole next to the patient.

• 2

  Adjust the pole until the top of the pole is 3 to 4 feet above the entry port. For example, if the IV is placed in the patient's hand, the pole top should be 3 to 4 feet above the hand, not 3 to 4 feet above the patient's head.

• 3

  Wipe down a work area near the patient with alcohol or another antibacterial cleaner.

• 4

  Wash your hands thoroughly.

• 5

  Gather all of the items you will need not only to prime the tubing but also to complete the administration of medicine or formula.

• 6

  Wash your hands again.

• 7

  Prepare the IV bag or bottle if it's not already prefilled.

• 8

  Roll the clamp on the gravity tubing all the way down to close the tubing.

• 9

  Remove the protective cap on the bottom of the IV bag or bottle to reveal the nipple. Do not touch the nipple at any time or you will introduce bacteria into the system.

• 10

  Remove the protective cap from the gravity tube spike. Again, do not touch the spike.

• 11

  Insert the spike into the nipple. The fit will be tight, so wiggle the spike to help push it into the nipple.

• 12

  Hang the IV bag or bottle on the IV pole.

• 13

  Squeeze the drip chamber located directly below the IV bag or bottle until it is 1/3 full.

• 14

  Place the end of the tube in a sterile cup.

• 15

  Roll the clamp upward to allow the tube to fill and force out the air.

• 16

  Roll the clamp downward and close the tubing once all of the air is expelled. The gravity tubing is now primed and ready for use.