Question

After spiking a bag of IV fluid for the paramedic, the EMT notices that the drip chamber is too full. The EMT should: Select one:

a. squeeze the IV bag to force fluid into the tubing.
b. invert the IV bag and squeeze the drip chamber.
c. let the IV flow rapidly for 20 to 30 seconds.
d. replace the administration set with a new one.

Answer 1

b. invert the IV bag and squeeze the drip chamber.

Step-by-step explanation:

The drip chamber is the place where we can see the fluid that is dripping into the tubing from the IV bag. It is at the drip chamber that the speed of the IV set up is measured by counting the number of drops per minute. It is expected that the drip chamber is always half full because if it is too full, it is impossible to count the drops. However, in a case where the drip chamber is too full, the EMT must invert the IV bag and squeeze the drip chamber to allow some of the liquid out, while not allowing any flow from the IV bag into the drip chamber.