FFinalistSouthampton · 2027
All procedures
GMC #13/Patient care taught Y4

Set up an intravenous infusion

Set up and run through an intravenous infusion; be aware of the different equipment and devices used.

Target · Perform under supervision0% ready

Do it on a patient with a supervisor observing you (GMC “direct supervision”).

Overview

Prime the line, exclude air, connect to a patent cannula, and set an accurate rate against the prescription.

Key numbers

  • Drip rate (drops/min) = volume(mL) × drop factor ÷ time(min). Standard giving set = 20 drops/mL (blood set = 15)Manufacturer
  • Routine maintenance fluids ≈ 25–30 mL/kg/day water, with ~1 mmol/kg/day Na⁺/K⁺/Cl⁻ and 50–100 g/day glucoseNICE CG174

Indications

  • IV fluid resuscitation/maintenance
  • IV medication administration

Contraindications & cautions

  • Check the prescription (fluid, additives, rate), the bag (expiry, clarity, correct fluid) and the patient (fluid status, allergies)

Equipment

Prescribed fluid bagGiving set (± volumetric pump)Patent IV cannula, flushDrip stand

Step by step

Prepare
  1. 1Check the prescription and the fluid bag against it (right fluid, additives, expiry, no cloudiness)
  2. 2Close the roller clamp; spike the bag; hang it
Prime
  1. 1Squeeze the drip chamber to half-fill it
  2. 2Open the roller clamp and run fluid through the whole line to exclude all air, then close
  3. 3Confirm the cannula is patent (flushes without pain/swelling)
Run
  1. 1Connect to the cannula using ANTT
  2. 2Set the rate — via a pump, or by drops/min (drops/min = volume(mL) × drop factor ÷ time(min))
  3. 3Label the bag/line; monitor the site and the patient

Complications

  • Air embolus, extravasation/infiltration, phlebitis, fluid overload, wrong rate

OSCE tips

  • Exclude all air from the line — a safety marker.
  • Right-check the prescription and the bag before connecting.
  • Be able to calculate a manual drip rate.

Read

IV fluid prescribing (adults) — NICE CG174NICE

Sources & credits

Authored to UK finals standard and verified against UK guidance (Manufacturer · NICE CG174) and Geeky Medics OSCE guides. Southampton teaching materials © University of Southampton. Always follow current local policy.