? about IV piggyback

[FutureIsBlue, LPN, LVN]

Hi,

I have checkoff tomorrow. After you primed the secondary tubing, are you supposed to close the clamp of the secondary tubing while regulating the drip rate of the primary tubing?

I hope this question makes sense.:chuckle

Thank you.

[NurseyBaby'05, BSN, RN]

I would think you have to calculate the piggy-back drip rate as well as the drip rate for the primary. They are often different. Fortunately for me, we have always used pumps for the piggy-backs. I would check with your instructor before class/check-offs.

[butterflynurse03, RN]

I would think you have to calculate the piggy-back drip rate as well as the drip rate for the primary. They are often different. Fortunately for me, we have always used pumps for the piggy-backs. I would check with your instructor before class/check-offs.

If you are not using a pump? Clamp the tube...you might deliver too much too quickly if you do not.

If you are using a pump, it wont run until you push "run" but it never hurts to make clamping your tubing a part of your routine. Just remember to make unclamp tubing a part also......

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

Clamp the secondary tubing until you have calculated the drip rate of the secondary infusion. Open the secondary clamp after you have stopped the primary. Most of the time if the IVP's are hung on primary fluids the primary will be clamped off and not run while the IVP is infusing. So you would only be calculating the secondary drip rate. Just make sure you know what the primary drip rate is so you can open it after infusion and follow with the correct rate for the primary.