Help. Starting IV Piggy Backs without Primary Order

[RnStarvingstudent88]

Ive heard different things from different people. so Please help:

I am used to patients having Normal saline already infusing continuously so when an order for an antibiotic piggy back comes in, I just add it as secondary because it doesn't matter that the NS was already infusing. BUT...

What if a pt. does not have have an order for a Primary infusion but you DO have an order for an Antibiotic piggy back. Do you still prime the primary line with NS first? Or do you let the antibiotic prime all the way down to the primary line (while hanging the antibiotic as a secondary)?

I hope that wasn't too confusing and its so hard to ask around because some people don't understand what I'm asking.

Thanks

[Have Nurse, ADN, RN]

Some times you can just use a saline lock, flush it, and hang the antibiotic. Flush again with saline afterward. But if you aren't sure, clarify it.

Your message was not specific as far as whether or not there is a primary running. If there is, you should prime your piggy back tubing with the antibiotic before attaching it to the main tubing, to prevent air embolism.