AEMCA Practice Exam

At what point should an IV bag be changed?

1. When 150ml of solution remains in the bag

2. When the bag is empty

3. When it has been used for 24 hours

4. When the infusion rate drops

The correct answer is: When 150ml of solution remains in the bag

The appropriate point for changing an IV bag is when 150ml of solution remains in the bag. This threshold allows sufficient time to prepare for a change and avoid interruption in the infusion process. Changing the IV bag at this stage ensures that healthcare providers can proactively address any issues related to the IV administration, such as preparing a new bag of fluid and swapping it over without delaying patient care. Changing the bag when it's empty is not ideal, as this can lead to interruptions in fluid therapy and potentially cause complications for the patient, including dehydration or a drop in blood pressure. Using a time-based criterion, such as changing the bag after 24 hours, may not be relevant for all IV fluids, as some solutions can remain sterile longer. Lastly, a drop in infusion rate could indicate other issues, such as a blockage or kink in the IV line rather than a reason to change the bag itself. Therefore, the correct practice prioritizes both ensuring a continuous infusion and minimizing risks for the patient.