What is the primary function of primary IV tubing?

The primary function of primary IV tubing is to administer IV solutions to the patient. This tubing is designed to facilitate the delivery of fluids, medications, and nutrients directly into a patient’s bloodstream through a venous access site. It generally includes components such as drip chambers, roller clamps, and sometimes infusion pumps, which help regulate the flow of the IV solution.

While monitors are essential in a clinical setting to track patient vitals, they are not the primary use of the IV tubing itself. Collecting fluid samples is a separate procedure necessitating different equipment geared specifically for that purpose. Similarly, injecting medications directly into the bloodstream is usually performed with a syringe or a secondary IV setup rather than through the primary IV tubing without additional safety measures or protocols.