Name of the Procedure:

IV Tubing Extension Set (S1015) Common name(s): IV Extension tubing, IV line extender
Technical/medical term: Intravenous Tubing Extension Set

Summary

An IV tubing extension set is used to extend the length of existing IV lines, allowing for more flexible and convenient access to intravenous medications, fluids, or nutrients for patients.

Purpose

The IV tubing extension set helps to address:

• Limited mobility due to restricted IV line length
• The need for frequent IV access without moving the patient
• Convenient bedside management of intravenous treatments

The goals are to enhance patient comfort, improve mobility, and facilitate easier management of IV therapies.

Indications

• Patients requiring long-term IV therapy
• Restricted mobility due to short IV lines
• The need for frequent access to IV medications or fluids
• Infants, children, or bedridden patients where repositioning is required

Preparation

• No specific preparation is needed for the use of an IV tubing extension set.
• Regular IV line maintenance, including ensuring sterility, is essential.
• Healthcare providers may assess the current IV setup beforehand.

Procedure Description

1. Pre-procedure: Ensure all materials are sterile. Select the appropriate extension set length.
2. Setup: Disconnect the IV administration set from the existing IV line.
3. Connection: Attach the extension set to the IV administration set and secure connections.
4. Reconnection: Reconnect the IV administration set to the patient’s IV catheter.
5. Verification: Check for secure connections, ensure fluid flow, and inspect for leaks.
6. Final Check: Verify patient comfort and unrestricted mobility.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 5-10 minutes.

Setting

• Hospital wards
• Outpatient clinics
• Long-term care facilities
• Home care settings

Personnel

• Nurses
• Medical Technicians
• Home Healthcare Providers

Risks and Complications

• Common: Infection, air embolism, kinked tubing
• Rare: Severe allergic reactions, IV line dislodgement, thrombophlebitis

Management includes immediate medical attention for severe reactions and proactive infection control measures.

Benefits

• Increased patient comfort and mobility
• Improved management of long-term IV therapies
• Reduced need for repeated IV insertions

Patients often experience almost immediate benefits in terms of comfort and ease of care.

Recovery

• Continuous monitoring of IV site for signs of infection or complications
• Regular replacement and maintenance of IV extension set to ensure sterility
• Routine follow-up checks, especially in long-term or home care settings

Alternatives

• Changing the IV insertion site more frequently
• Using a different catheter type (e.g., midline catheter, central venous catheter) Pros: Alternative methods might provide more stable IV access.
  Cons: Alternatives can be more invasive and have their own set of complications.

Patient Experience

Patients might experience brief discomfort during reconnection but generally find increased comfort with extended tubing. Pain management is minimal, addressing only any localized discomfort if it arises. Regular assessments by healthcare providers ensure prolonged comfort and safety.