IVPB Question

iluvivt, BSN, RN · Apr 2, 2009

1......I can see where this is confusing. First most pumps will now allow you to give a primary selection and a secondary selection......if your secondary is compatible with your primary you just use the short secondary set and piggyback it in on the first medication injection port that is above the pump...then you switch your selection from primary to secondary and set the rate you want.

2.......If your secondary is not compatible with the primary you need to use a primary tubing and either get a second pump or use the one you have if patient can have the primary line off during the secondary infusion and I would attach that medication at the t-ext or the Y-site of the PIV. If you have a syringe pump you can leave your primary going and still attach at the site only

So the answer somewhat depends upon the IVF solution or drip you have going and what type of IV pump you have and you always need to know what is compatible SEE if that helps

Butterfly3001 · May 17, 2009

I have a question, when I go to hang my IVPB, do I stop my primary bag that is running and then put in my secondary rate and volume or can it still be running? I went ove this numerous times in lab but for some reason cannot remember.

AirforceRN, RN · May 17, 2009

I am having a hard time grasping the whole IVPB thing. I understand what to do when NOT using a pump (hang the IVPB higher) but my question is:
1) When using a pump, do I put the primary tubing in the pump or the IVPB tubing into the pump. I am assuming the IVPB.
The primary tubing goes in the pump.
2) If you put the IVPB tubing into the pump, do you connect the IVPB tubing to the primary tubing at the site closest to the patient if there are several ports?
The IVPB tubing goes into the port above the pump (furthest from the patient). This way the pump still controls the rate of the IVPB
Thank you!

I have a question, when I go to hang my IVPB, do I stop my primary bag that is running and then put in my secondary rate and volume or can it still be running? I went ove this numerous times in lab but for some reason cannot remember.

Most pumps won't allow you to set a secondary rate unless you put the primary on hold. Even if they do its still good practice to stop the primary first.

iluvivt, BSN, RN · May 17, 2009

This depends on several factors.....if you ae running as a secondary using a secondary or IVPB function on the pump...the pump will run the secondary and then switch back over to the primary...most pumps will let you know when the secondary is complete.......If you are using a syringe pump.....you do not need to turn the primary off.....if you are running an IVPB on a seperat pump...you also do not need to turn the primary off.....so you see there is not just one answer...it depends on the pump or pumps you have ...what format the medication is provided....ans this is a BIG one Can the patient have the primary OFF during the secondary infusion...some can..some can not...depends upon what is going on with the patient...clinically speaking....if pt is dehydrated...you may not want to stop the IVF...and may need to get a second pump...ALSO....you need to check compatibilities,,,,,,if you are running it on the highest injection port above the pump...it must be compatible....yes it can and does get confusing...and unfortunately I see incompatible meds running together all the time...but when I do tell the nurse...I must say..they always fix it!!!

classicdame, MSN, EdD · May 18, 2009

if your IVPB goes directly to the pump it is no longer a piggyback. It is primary. If it is below the pump then it is not being regulated by the pump but is infusing by gravity.

orangepink, NP · May 29, 2009

the primary tubing goes into the pump.

RheatherN, ASN, RN, EMT-P · Jun 3, 2009

It may be easier if you can have someone where you can do it hands on show you. thats the best way to do it, is to go thru it a few times, actually doing it hands on.

gl!

-H-RN

RN813 · Jun 21, 2009

Have someone show you.