** Back-priming/Back-flush Secondary IV line**

[twinjeep97]

Hello,

*With use of Baxter Pump*

In this situation, there will be 2 bags, with the NS hanging below ATB. Another client is due for another 50mL dose of an ATB, so we must switch out the ALMOST empty secondary bag. When I go into room I will hit "stop." The connection from the secondary (portless) to main line is done by use of a "alligator clip." Once I hit stop, I will leave both lines unclamped and LOWER the 2ndary bag below the mainline bag. The lower the secondary bag, the faster the fluid will flow from mainline back up through secondary line into the drip chamber (hence bubbling). Once the drip chamber is almost full I will then squirt the collected fluid from the chamber into the old bag (clearly the line). I will then take spike out of old bag and spike new ATB bag UPSIDE DOWN while keeping clamp open on 2ndary line, then fill drip chamber to 1/3-1/2 full. Then would I program 2nd rate, 2nd volume, 2nd start, While ensuring drops are visible in the drip chamber prior to leaving room. At this time, the primary IV line should NOT be dripping (but will take over once the VTBI on 2nd pump is finished infusing). IS this correct? I really appreciate anyones input, suggestions, criticism.

Thanks,

[MyUserName,RN]

Hello,

*With use of Baxter Pump*

In this situation, there will be 2 bags, with the NS hanging below ATB. Another client is due for another 50mL dose of an ATB, so we must switch out the ALMOST empty secondary bag. When I go into room I will hit "stop." The connection from the secondary (portless) to main line is done by use of a "alligator clip." Once I hit stop, I will leave both lines unclamped and LOWER the 2ndary bag below the mainline bag. The lower the secondary bag, the faster the fluid will flow from mainline back up through secondary line into the drip chamber (hence bubbling). Once the drip chamber is almost full I will then squirt the collected fluid from the chamber into the old bag (clearly the line). I will then take spike out of old bag and spike new ATB bag UPSIDE DOWN while keeping clamp open on 2ndary line, then fill drip chamber to 1/3-1/2 full. Then would I program 2nd rate, 2nd volume, 2nd start, While ensuring drops are visible in the drip chamber prior to leaving room. At this time, the primary IV line should NOT be dripping (but will take over once the VTBI on 2nd pump is finished infusing). IS this correct? I really appreciate anyones input, suggestions, criticism.

Thanks,

Are you in clinicals?

[twinjeep97]

yes why?

[MyUserName,RN]

It's just kind of weird to be asking these questions on here I guess...shouldn't your clinical instructor be teaching you these things? I don't mind helping, but to be honest, you should probably do these things the way your instructor shows you....Anyways, in the situation above, if I'm getting your question right, I always use only one secondary line per each antibiotic if they are different antibiotics. Just clamp the first secondary line, unhook it from primary, prime other secondary line with other antibiotic and hook it up. Then you don't have to go through all that mess. If it's the same antibiotic, don't do anything different, don't back prime, just change the tubing over to the new bag.

[dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN]

Am I the only one who hangs a bag and then spikes it? One less thing to juggle.

[twinjeep97]

Bc I want to make sure I am doing each step correctly in order to avoid asking clinical instructor repeated questions. I would also like to make a few notecards to review prior to performing each task.

[twinjeep97]

well i just think with hanging bag and spiking, fluids may run out if the spike isn't all the way through when twisting. ITs also easier to grip when upside down.

[MyUserName,RN]

well i just think with hanging bag and spiking, fluids may run out if the spike isn't all the way through when twisting. ITs also easier to grip when upside down.

You really don't have to hang it upside down unless you are taking tubing out from an already spiked bag.

[MyUserName,RN]

Bc I want to make sure I am doing each step correctly in order to avoid asking clinical instructor repeated questions. I would also like to make a few notecards to review prior to performing each task.

I guess in my school we were lucky because our clinical instructors would go through each step, we'd take notes, then they would let us practice before going into the hospital...also we had video and computer discs for skills.

[twinjeep97]

Yes that would be helpful. I need to invest into some skills cd's. But with original post, is that accurate?

[MyUserName,RN]

But with original post, is that accurate?

Honestly, I can't tell you for sure because I just don't do it that way. It sounds like a big time waster. Maybe somebody else can tell you for sure.

[twinjeep97]

whats a time waster? how do you do it? Id still like to hear ur input but will follow steps instructor tells me.