Page 2391 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

guidelines when administering IV medications).
4. Vented and nonvented tubing are available.
a. A vent allows air to enter the IV
container as the fluid leaves.
b. A vented adapter can be used to add a
vent to a nonvented IV tubing system.
c. Use nonvented tubing for flexible
containers.

d. Use vented tubing for glass or

rigid plastic containers to allow air to
enter and displace the fluid as it leaves;
fluid will not flow from a rigid IV
container unless it is vented.

Extension tubing can be added to an IV

tubing set to provide extra length to the tubing. Add
extension tubing to the IV tubing set for children,
clients who are restless, or clients who have special
mobility needs.
G. Drip chambers (Fig. 69-3)
1. Macrodrip chamber

a. The chamber is used if the

solution is thick or is to be infused
rapidly.
b. The drop factor varies from 10 to 20
drops (gtt)/mL, depending on the
manufacturer.
c. Read the tubing package to determine
how many drops per milliliter are
delivered (drop factor).
2. Microdrip chamber
a. Normally, the chamber has a short
vertical metal piece (stylet) where the
drop forms.

b. The chamber delivers about

60 gtt/mL.
c. Read the tubing package to determine
the drop factor (gtt/mL).

d. Microdrip chambers are used if

fluid will be infused at a slow rate (less
than 50 mL/hr) or if the solution
contains potent medication that needs

2391