Procedure for Administering IV Fluids Using a Three-Way Tap

Supplies Needed

• 500 ml bag of 0.9 saline
• IV giving set
• Three-way tap
• 60 ml IV luer lock syringe

Preparation

1. Clean your tray as normal.
2. Collect all necessary equipment.
3. Open all equipment and place them into the tray.

Setting Up the IV Fluid

1. Bag of Saline: Open, clamp your giving set, remove the lid and spike the fluid bag.
2. Hang the bag of fluid.
3. Drip Chamber: Squeeze until it’s at least halfway full.
4. Connections:
   • Connect the giving set to the three-way tap.
   • Connect the syringe to the top of the three-way tap.
5. Turn On:
   • To the fluid bag and the syringe.
   • Off to the patient.
6. Ensure Clamps: Make sure all clamps are open.
7. Unclamp Fluid: Pull back on the syringe while holding upright to eliminate air.

Administering the Fluid to the Patient

1. Clean the cannula as per Trust guidelines.
2. Attachment: Attach the three-way tap to the cannula.
3. Administer Fluid:
   • Based on the required volume (e.g., 100 ml).
   • Unclamp the cannula and administer the first 50 ml.
4. Turn Tap:
   • Onto the bag of fluid and the syringe.
   • Off to the patient.
5. Withdraw Fluid: Withdraw another 50 ml of fluid.
6. Administer Next Dose:
   • Turn the three-way tap on to the patient and the syringe.
   • Off to the IV fluid bag, and then administer the next 50 ml.
7. Clamp and Turn Off:
   • Clamp the cannula.
   • Turn the three-way tap diagonally to off all three points of access.