very basic IVPB question

[ivyjean]

If a patient who is receiving a continuous infusion is then ordered to receive an IVPB, does the IVPB always run in place of the other fluids (as in when there is a fluid restriction), or can the piggyback sometimes run in addition to the rest of the fluids?

I'm sure in a few semesters, this will look like a silly question to me, but right now I hardly know anything! Thanks in advance!:)

[SolaireSolstice, BSN, RN]

Most of the time, I run a PB with the primary delayed until the PB is finished. However, you can run them together. It depends on the pump. Our Alaris pumps will run them together. Also, if I am running a continuous infusion morphine, I will run a primary of normal saline through one pump, and piggyback the morphine into the port closet to the patient while running as a primary on a second pump. But generally, you will run a piggyback "in place of" with a primary to run afterwards as a flush.

[ivyjean]

Thanks! I know IV's are probably best learned hands- on, but I want to know as much as possible beforehand. :)

[nicoleRN831]

Just make sure before you piggyback the med on that they are compatible... If they aren't then you have to start another line.

[MunoRN, RN]

Just make sure before you piggyback the med on that they are compatible... If they aren't then you have to start another line.

How do you define "piggyback"?

[rnrainy]

Besides IV compatibility, it is important to consider why the fluids are prescribed and the patient's medical condition. For instance, I wouldn't bolus any fluids AND piggyback without very close monitoring on a patient with CHF. I have seen flash pulmonary edema occur more than once!