*Switching IV bags* Please help

[twinjeep97]

I have been researching and watching countless videos on Youtube of how to switch IV bags. Most youtube videos explain how to setup the initial bag and rate but not how to switch out empty IV bags. Can someone please help me with this, I would greatly appreciate it!

-Lets say you have 2 IV's on 1 pole, 1 ATB and 1 1000mL bag NS. When changing out the bag of NS the line is already primed. So do I just need to tighten the roller clamp on the main line IV, flip bag over and empty remaining contents from drip chamber into old bag. Then uncap new IV bag, while maintaining sterility of spike then spike the bag. Then fill chamber, set pump, ad unclamp?

Thanks!!!

[MyUserName,RN]

Not sure what type of tubing you use, but with ours, I just turn the pump to hold or stop it, hang the new bag on the pole and take the stopper off, turn the old bag over, remove the tubing from old bag and insert the tubing into the new bag. Don't have to clamp and don't have to empty out remaining fluid from tubing/chamber, so line never has to be reprimed. Turn pump back on and make sure to change the volume amount in the pump settings.

[dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN]

If your fluid bag is actually empty, you're doing it wrong.

Set your pump's vtbi to 900 or 950. Switch over when it alarms.

I just pause everything and switch bags. No need to empty or whatever unless you're back-priming a secondary and don't want a potential med interaction.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

flip bag over and empty remaining contents from drip chamber into old bag.

No, you keep fluid in the drip chamber and line, that way the line remains primed.

[twinjeep97]

Thanks everyone I really appreciate the input!!

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Yes, try not to allow the IV bag to run dry, since that will result in air in the line. I check my pumps hourly to ensure everything is running according to schedule. When there is 30 to 50 mls remaining in the IV bag, I stop the pump and close the roller clamp. Turn the IV bag upside down and remove it from the spike, otherwise you'll have fluid spilling on your clothes and the floor (which I have done). Check to ensure you are hanging the correct fluid, hang the new IV bag and spike it. Program your pump, open the roller clamp and press start again on the pump. I stand there for a minute or two to ensure the fluid is actually flowing again before leaving the rOom.

[mm5256]

Do you have to squeeze the drip chamber in the new bag before turning the pump back on? Thanks!

[t&g0913]

No, it will already be half full from the previous bag. Unless the previous bag ran dry, in which case you'd have to reprime because there would probably be air in the line.