Troubleshooting Tips for IV Infusion Management
| Problems | Actions |
|---|---|
| Drip chamber is overfilled | Close regulator clamp, turn fluid container upside down, and squeeze fluid from drip chamber until half full or slightly below. |
| Air is in tubing | Check adequacy of fluid level in drip chamber and security of tubing connections. Insert needleless syringe into rubber port distal to air and aspirate to remove air. |
| Blood is backing up into tubing | Be sure fluid is above the level of the IV catheter site and the level of the heart. Check security of tubing connections. Check that infusing fluid has not run out and that catheter is in a vein, not an artery (note arterial pulsation of blood in tubing). |
| Infusion pump alarms indicate flow problem | Check drip chamber for excess or inadequate fluid level. Check that clamps and regulators are open, air vent is open (if applicable), and tubing is free of kinks. Check IV catheter site for infiltration, blood clot, kinks, and positional obstruction (open fluid regulator fully and change position of arm to see if fluid flows better in various positions). Insert needleless syringe into medication port and gently flush fluid through catheter. If resistance is met, try to aspirate blood/clot into tubing; if unsuccessful, discontinue IV and restart. |
| IV is positional (i.e., runs well only when arm or hand is in a certain position) | Stabilize IV site with armboard or handboard and monitor fluid infusion every 1–2 hr. |
| Fluid is dripping but is also leaking into tissue surrounding puncture site | Discontinue IV and restart in another site. Place warm soak over infiltrated site unless contraindicated. Reassess frequently. |