A client is receiving IV fluids by gravity infusion and exhibits signs of fluid volume overload. When assessing the IV delivery system, where should the nurse assess first?

• A. Drip Chamber
• B. The IV Bag
• C. The Infusion Pump
• D. The IV Site

Answer: (A)

In gravity IV infusions, the first thing to check is how fast the fluid is actually entering the vein, and the drip chamber shows that directly. By observing and counting the drops falling per minute, you get an immediate read on the infusion rate. If the rate is higher than prescribed, the patient can develop fluid volume overload, so confirming the drip rate helps you decide whether to slow the flow. The IV bag’s level or height doesn’t tell you the real-time rate as clearly, and a gravity setup doesn’t involve an infusion pump. While the IV site is important to inspect for other issues, it doesn’t reveal how quickly the fluid is being delivered, which is the key factor in assessing for overload in this scenario.