Changing the IV Solution and Tubing

Changing the IV Solution and Tubing

Equipment
■ Nonsterile gloves.
■ Administration set.
■ IV solution.
■ IV pole.
■ Antiseptic swabs that contain solutions such as alcohol or CHG.
■ Be Safe! CHG is not recommended for infants younger than age 2 months.
■ 1-in. nonallergenic tape.
■ Time tape.
■ Watch with a second hand or digital readout.

Assessment
■ Check the IV catheter insertion date (the CDC recommends changing a peripheral IV every 72 to 96 hours).
■ Assess the IV catheter for patency.
■ Assess the IV site for signs of phlebitis, infiltration, infection, or inflammation.
■ Be Safe! If any of these complications exist, discontinue the current IV and start a new one.

Post-Procedure Reassessment
■ Be Safe! Evaluate proper IV rate regularly (usually hourly). Continue to monitor the insertion site for signs of infiltration, inflammation, infection, and phlebitis.
■ Evaluate the effectiveness of IV therapy by assessing hydration status or expected effect of the IV medication/solution.

Key Points
■ Be Safe! Care of IVs requires careful sterile technique.
■ Prepare and hang the new IV solution and tubing.
■ Close the roller clamp on the administration set.
■ Wearing clean nonsterile gloves, place a sterile swab under the catheter hub.
■ Remove the protective cover from the distal end of the new administration set.
■ Stabilize the IV catheter while applying pressure over the vein just above the insertion site.
■ Disengage the old tubing from the IV catheter and insert the new tubing.
■ Be Smart! If the tubing does not separate, use a hemostat to twist the lock. Grip and twist lightly.
■ Adjust the drip rate or set and turn on the volume control pump.
■ Cleanse the IV site, resecure the IV catheter and tubing connection; loop and tape the tubing.
■ Label tubing and solution with date, initials, rate, and time tape.

Documentation
■ Fluid and tubing changes are usually documented on a flowsheet.
■ If writing a nursing note, document:
■ The date and time the IV fluid and tubing were changed.
■ Type of IV fluid and rate of infusion.
■ The location and condition of the IV catheter insertion site.
■ Any complications of IV therapy and the interventions taken.

Stabilize the catheter and apply pressure over the vein while disconnecting

the administration set