How should IV equipment be prepared before use?

The preparation of IV equipment is crucial to ensuring safe and effective administration of therapy. The correct choice emphasizes the importance of ensuring both sterility and proper function before using any IV equipment.

Sterility is paramount because the introduction of non-sterile equipment into the body can lead to serious infections. This underscores the need for handling all equipment in a way that minimizes contamination risks. It involves using sterile techniques, such as wearing gloves and utilizing aseptic methods when opening packages and handling the equipment.

Proper function is equally important to ensure that the IV equipment delivers fluids as intended without malfunctions. This includes checking for leaks, proper flow rates, and any obstructed pathways in the IV tubing and devices. Both sterility and function must be verified to prioritize patient safety and the efficacy of the treatment being administered.

In contrast, simply inspecting for cleanliness alone does not address the critical elements of sterility and functionality. Preparing equipment at the bedside may lead to increased risk of contamination and may not allow for a thorough inspection of the equipment beforehand. Testing equipment using a non-patient model might be useful in certain contexts but does not replace the necessity for stringent preparation standards directly relating to patient care. Thus, the best practice involves a comprehensive check to ensure that IV equipment is