Editing Intravenous therapy (section)

===Infusions===
Equipment used to place and administer an IV line for infusion consists of a bag, usually hanging above the height of the person, and sterile tubing through which the medicine is administered. In a basic "gravity" IV, a bag is simply hung above the height of the person and the solution is pulled via gravity through a tube attached to a needle inserted into a vein. Without extra equipment, it is not possible to precisely control the rate of administration. For this reason, a setup may also incorporate a clamp to regulate flow. Some IV lines may be placed with "[[Y-Set (intravenous therapy)|Y-sites]]", devices which enable a secondary solution to be administered through the same line (known as piggybacking). Some systems employ a [[drip chamber]], which prevents air from entering the bloodstream (causing an [[air embolism]]), and allows visual estimation of flow rate of the solution.<ref name="Lippincott" />{{rp|316–321;344–348}}
[[File:Infusionspumpe.JPG|left|thumb|upright=0.75|An [[infusion pump]] suitable for a single IV line|alt=Photograph of a simple, single infusion IV pump]]
Alternatively, an [[infusion pump]] allows precise control over the flow rate and total amount delivered. A pump is programmed based on the number and size of infusions being administered to ensure all medicine is fully administered without allowing the access line to run dry. Pumps are primarily utilized when a constant flow rate is important, or where changes in rate of administration would have consequences.<ref name="Lippincott">{{cite book |title=Lippincott's nursing procedures. |date=2009 |publisher=Lippincott Williams & Wilkins |location=Philadelphia |isbn=978-0781786898 |edition=5th}}</ref>{{rp|316–321;344–348}}