How to prime and connect an intravenous administration set

Intravenous (IV) therapy is used in healthcare to administer fluids, medicines or blood products directly into the venous system. IV therapy must be undertaken with the utmost care. This 'How to' article explains how to safely and effectively prime and connect an IV administration set. Nurses undertaking this procedure must ensure that they have the appropriate knowledge and skills and work within the limits of their competence. • When delivering IV therapy, nurses need to understand the action of the fluids, medicines or blood products they are administering and be fully aware of the risks involved. • Infection control is paramount for safe IV administration and nurses need to decontaminate their hands and use aseptic non-touch technique (ANTT). • It is vital that nurses regularly update their knowledge and skills in relation to IV administration and ANTT. REFLECTIVE ACTIVITY: 'How to' articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence-based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: • How this article might improve your practice when priming and connecting an IV administration set. • How you could use this information to educate nursing students or your colleagues on how to safely and effectively prime and connect an IV administration set.