Changing iv bag question

[Communitynurse365]

Hi there:)

i have a question...when changing iv bags, I am wondering what would happen if you forgot to clamp the original primary line? For example, if I unhooked the first bag upside down and then attached the tubing to a new bag what would happen? Would the patient be at risk for an air embolism because the line is open?

i realize the drip chamber would likely empty on ground(I think)

Thanks so much

[MunoRN, RN]

Is the tubing through a pump? Are you asking about a bag on a primary line or a secondary line? Was there air in the line?

[Communitynurse365]

It's just a hypothetical question, so let's say yes...but also curious what would happen if it wasnt

[Communitynurse365]

It's a hypothetical question. A bag on a primary line, not sure if on pump.

[MunoRN, RN]

If it's through a pump and the pump is stopped then it doesn't really matter how you change the bags since a stopped pump has the same effect as a clamp. If the pump is still running then so long as you change the bag before the drip chamber empties then no air will get into the line. If the pump is running or you're not on a pump and the line is unclamped then you don't really ever want to let the drip chamber get upside down since that will cause the air in the drip chamber to enter the line instead of the fluid.

Sometimes you might turn the drip chamber upside down when backflushing between secondary bags, but it's not required and won't cause air to enter the system since you'll backprime the air back out of it with the new bag.

[Communitynurse365]

Thanks!

[loriangel14, RN]

Also it takes a LOT of air in the line for it to be any danger to the patient.