Nurses should instruct nursing assistants to report IV bag volume when it drops below 100 mL.

When you’re rounding the ward and you hear the soft hum of a patient’s IV pump, you’re reminded just how much trust sits in a tiny plastic bag. An IV line isn’t just a line; it’s a lifeline that keeps medications flowing and fluids balanced. For nursing assistants and other nursing team members, the way we manage that line matters as much as the meds themselves. This idea isn’t abstract. It shows up in real life, every shift, every patient, in every corridor.

Why a simple instruction can make a big difference

In the Safety Video from ATI Skills Modules 3.0, one practical, repeatable instruction stands out: Let me know when the IV bag contains less than 100 milliliters. That threshold isn’t pulled from thin air. It’s chosen because it buys the nurse enough time to respond before the line runs dry, before the flow is interrupted, and before a preventable complication crops up. Think about it: if the bag is at, say, 150 mL, you’ve still got some cushion. But once you dip below 100 mL, you’re in the window where lines can go from smooth sailing to a scramble if no one steps in promptly.

Let me explain it in plain terms. Medication and fluids rely on a steady supply. If the bag empties suddenly, you risk the patient not receiving the intended dose, and you increase the chance of air entering the line or the pump alarm going off and causing delays. The 100 mL marker is a practical signal that care needs to happen soon, not later—so care remains continuous and safe.

The other answer choices, and why they miss the mark

• A. Notify me when the IV bag is containing less than 50 milliliters

This one sounds conservative, but it leaves you with less lead time. By the time you reach 50 mL, the nurse may be scrambling to replace the bag, and any interruption could affect the patient’s therapy. The 50 mL threshold creates a risk of delayed administration, especially if a nurse is tied up with other tasks or if a bag is difficult to access quickly.

• C. It’s okay to leave the IV bag empty

This is a hard no in clinical care. An empty bag isn’t just a cue that “you’re done here.” It means there’s no more infusion at all, which can abruptly stop meds and fluids. That interruption can harm the patient, trigger alarms, and increase the likelihood of complications.

• D. Ensure the bag is changed at least every 24 hours

While some IV bags do have a recommended change schedule, many IVs are tied to the patient’s needs and the IV site’s condition, not a blanket clock. The timing for bag changes should be guided by volume remaining, the infusion rate, and the clinical plan, not by a fixed hourly deadline. If a bag runs low sooner, waiting 24 hours isn’t safe. The 100 mL threshold is about timely action, not a one-size-fits-all schedule.

What the right instruction looks like in practice

Here’s the practical way this plays out on the floor, with a nod to how the Safety Video frames it:

• The moment you notice the bag is at or below 100 mL, you alert the nurse (and, if needed, the unit clerk or charge nurse depending on your hospital’s process). A quick heads-up helps ensure a smooth transition to a new bag without delaying the patient’s therapy.

• You don’t have to memorize every policy word for word. A calm, concise note often does the job: “IV bag at 95 mL—please replace.” If there’s a pump alarm, mention that too, because it reinforces the sense of urgency.

• Document your notification in the patient’s chart as your facility requires. Even a simple handoff note helps the next caregiver stay in the loop. Clear communication reduces confusion and keeps care continuous.

• When you’re assisting with the bag change, be mindful of the basics: verify the medication or fluid type, check for any line kinks, and ensure the new bag is labeled and dated. This is where the Safety Video’s emphasis on meticulous, patient-centered care comes to life.

• Don’t assume the bag’s status from the pump alone. Pumps can be slow to alert you to a change in volume, and the label on the bag matters. A quick glance at the grams or milliliters counted is a reliable, low-friction habit.

How to communicate like a pro (without sounding robotic)

We’re dealing with human beings and human systems, so a little finesse helps. A simple, effective approach is to use a short, clear message with a follow-up check:

• SBAR-lite tip: Situation—what’s happening? (IV bag at X mL)

• Action requested—what you want the caregiver to do (replace the bag)

• Response needed by—by when you’d like the replacement to occur

• This keeps the flow natural and professional, and it reduces back-and-forth.

If you’re not sure whom to tell, reach out to the nurse assigned to the patient and say, “I’m noting the IV bag is under 100 mL. Should I initiate bag replacement or wait for you?” It’s honest, it’s proactive, and it keeps the patient safer.

A few practical reminders you’ll appreciate

• Keep your eye on trends, not just the moment. If you see a pattern where bags consistently run low at a certain time, that might signal a need to adjust infusion rates or coordinate bag deliveries with pharmacy or supply.

• Your role isn’t to become the IV tech, but you are a vital bridge. You’re the front line who notices when something gets off track and who alerts the right person quickly.

• Be mindful of the patient’s experience. An IV line is a quiet ally; interruptions are unsettling for patients, especially those who are anxious or in pain. A smooth handoff and timely bag changes minimize distress.

• Safety isn’t only about the bag. Check the site for dressing integrity, signs of infiltration or inflammation, and the patient’s comfort. A few seconds of extra attention can prevent bigger problems later.

Where this fits into the bigger picture of patient safety

The simple rule about reporting a low IV bag isn’t just a step in a checklist. It’s a thread in the fabric of patient safety:

• Continuity of care: A steady flow of fluids or medications keeps a patient’s treatment plan on track. Delays can derail recovery.

• Air embolism prevention: A low-volume bag can lead to air entering the line if the bag runs dry. Preventing that risk is a core safety aim.

• Alarms and response: Pumps will alarm when volume runs low, but the fastest fix is often a timely bag swap. Your proactive notification helps avoid alarm fatigue for the team too.

• Team communication: Clear, concise calls and notes keep everyone aligned. The patient benefits when the handoff is seamless and predictable.

A little reassurance for the reader

If you’re new to this, you’re not alone. It can feel like a small thing—just a bag, just a number—but small things accumulate. They shape how patients feel cared for and how confidently a team works together. You’re part of a system that’s built to catch those small moments and turn them into reliable care. That’s real influence, and it matters.

Linking it to the Safety Video experience

In the ATI Skills Modules 3.0 Safety Video, the emphasis is not on memorizing a bunch of rules. It’s about internalizing the rhythm of safe practice and the responsibility that comes with handling devices like IV access. The correct instruction—notify when the bag is under 100 mL—embodies a practical, human-centered approach. It’s not dramatic; it’s efficient, it’s practical, and it keeps care smooth and steady for the patient who depends on it.

A closing thought

Next time you’re watching an IV bag, hear the hum, and feel the patient’s comfort resting on your shoulders for a moment. Remember that small threshold—100 milliliters. It’s a simple cue that translates into reliable care. It’s a moment where clear communication, quick action, and teamwork converge to keep the patient safe and the care plan on track. And that’s the essence of nursing teamwork in action.

If you’re part of a learning community or a clinical setting exploring the Safety Video content, keep this principle in mind. The right instruction isn’t just about following steps; it’s about cultivating a practice of attentiveness, responsibility, and open communication. That’s how patient safety becomes second nature—and how every shift ends with one more patient feeling cared for and protected.