What may happen if the IV fluid container runs dry?

If the IV fluid container runs dry, the catheter may become clotted. This occurs because, without the continuous flow of fluid, the blood can start to enter the catheter and coagulate, forming a clot. When there is no fluid to keep the blood in the catheter diluted and flowing, the risk of clotting significantly increases, potentially leading to complications such as occlusion of the IV line.

The other options present scenarios that are not relevant to what specifically happens when the fluid container is empty. Fluid overload pertains to receiving too much fluid, which cannot happen if the fluids are no longer flowing. An increasing infusing rate is not possible since there is no fluid left to infuse. Lastly, the idea that no complications will occur is incorrect, as the potential for clotting and other associated issues directly contradicts this notion.