Final answer:
To ensure that a secondary IV infuses as prescribed, a nurse must hang the secondary medication bag higher than the primary one, ensure proper setup with the primary line, and program the IV pump with the correct rate. All clamps should be opened to prevent obstructions, and the infusion should be monitored for any issues signaled by the IV pump alarms.
Step-by-step explanation:
When using an intravenous (IV) pump to infuse IV fluids and ensuring that the secondary IV infuses as prescribed, the nurse must prioritize managing the setup and flow rates properly. One critical step is to hang the secondary medication bag higher than the primary fluid bag. This higher placement utilizes gravity to facilitate the flow of the secondary medication into the infusion line. The nurse must also ensure that the secondary line is properly connected to the primary line at the appropriate port. Another key aspect is to set the IV pump to the correct infusion rate per the medication order, using either a macrodrop or microdrop setup as prescribed. It is crucial that all clamps are opened, ensuring there are no obstructions in the line, and that the pump settings are checked for accuracy. After setting up the secondary infusion, the nurse should also monitor the infusion process and be alert for any alarms on the IV pump that might signal issues such as air in the line, kinks, or occlusions.