Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
allnurses

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.
Discussion

Changing iv bag question

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

  • Quote

    • Featured Replies

    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?

  • Quote
    • Author

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

  • Quote
    • Author

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

  • Quote

    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.

  • Quote
    • Experts

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

  • Quote

    • Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

    Guest
    Add a Comment
    Go to topic listing

    Currently Reading 0

    • No registered users viewing this page.

    Account

    Navigation

    Search

    Search

    Configure browser push notifications
    Chrome (Android)
    1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
    2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
    3. Adjust your preference.
    Chrome (Desktop)
    1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
    2. Select Site settings.
    3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.