Forgetfulness regarding IV Bag changes

[AussieKylie]

Hi all

Well I have a question due to my forgetfulness and plus not getting enough clinical practice that I am wondering how often IV Bags are changed. I am thinking every 12hours or 24hours? I am not sure. I know TPN solutions are changed regularly due to the products involved can become contaminated with bacteria. I am in my final year of studies and I am having problems retaining all this info. Just like the saying 'If you dont use it, you lose it". HOw frustrating.

Appreciate your help

kind regards

:) (all these mixed emotions)

[pricklypear]

That really depends on institutional policy. You're right - TPN is changed every 24 hours, empty or not. In our institution, regular fluid bags like NS, D5, ect can be up for up to 72 hours. Of course, they don't usually last that long anyway unless they're being used only to keep a vein open (10-20cc/h). Then we would hang a 100cc or 250cc bag.

Tubing changes at my hospital are every 72 hours. We have stickers that we put on new tubing to let people know when to change it.

Don't worry, you'll get all that information specific to your institution during your orientation.

PS, I remember feeling :uhoh21: and most of all :stone towards the end of school!! You'll make it!:)

[suzanne4, RN]

Our facility has actually gone to every 96 hours, as long as the bag is commercially made. Same thing with the tubing.

[prmenrs, RN]

They all have tags on them saying when they were hung, when they need to be changed. Check the bag during your first assessment, write it down on your "work sheet/brains", cross it off when completed.

IMHO, worksheets (a place to write down stuff about a pt: quick hx, current status, like resp settings, IVs, nutrition, labs and tests scheduled/recent results, an hourly schedule for meds and/or treatments) are very, very helpful in staying organized. Make it your self, or use the unit's version, make notes during report, add info when you're in the room, like VS whatever, and it'll help for charting.

There is so much to remember--make some of it easy for yourself!!!

[ClaireMacl]

Iv solutions vary from stat - anything from 20 minutes to an hour depending on the size of cannula, others are 1 hour, four hours, 6, 8, 12 and 24... just check the drug chart.

I found when I first qualified I found it soooo hard to remember these things, I ended up in handover writing a reminder list for myself like "Bed 1 - one hour urines", "Bed 5, IVI 6pm" etc etc... that way you can keep a close eye on it.

As people have said before, TPN is different, but to be honest, unless things are very different in the US, students never change TPN due to the infection risk.

If you need any more help, let me know, I remember how hard it was being a student AND being newly qualified

[madwife2002, BSN, RN]

Do you Not have IV's prescribed even fluids in the USA?

In Uk IV's are prescribed so you know how much for how long.

I always change the giving set if there is any doubt, when I am changing fluids.

Just ask what the protocol is on the ward/hospital you are working at. If you are unsure about anything always ask, i would rather be thought stupid than risk anything.

[Kudra]

our policy is that IV bags must be changed q 24 hours... lines q 72 hours... TPN and TPN lines q 24 hours...