Understanding the NAP role in gravity IV infusions: notify the nurse when the bag has less than 100 mL

ATI Skills Modules 3.0 – Safety Video: Why a simple instruction to the NAP matters

If you’ve ever watched a safety video in a clinical setting, you know the stakes aren’t just about memorizing a rule. They’re about real teamwork, real patients, and real moments where a small, correct action keeps someone on track to feel better rather than worry about what comes next. The Safety Video module in ATI’s program (the 3.0 version) spotlights one of those moments that often gets glossed over but carries big weight: the role of nursing assistive personnel (NAP) when a patient is receiving IV fluids by gravity drip. Let’s unpack what that means in everyday care and why one simple instruction matters more than it might seem.

What the NAP is asked to do—and what that really looks like on the unit

Think of IV fluids by gravity drip as a low-tech, steady lifeline for patients who need fluids or medications delivered over time. The setup is straightforward, but the chain of responsibility behind it is precise. The nurse is responsible for the clinical plan, the rate, and the safety checks. The NAP is there to support, observe, and communicate changes that could affect the patient’s care.

The critical instruction highlighted by the module is this: the NAP should notify the nurse if the IV bag has less than 100 mL left. It’s a short sentence with a big purpose. When the bag nears the end, the nurse needs to know so a replacement bag can be prepared and connected without delay. That continuity matters—interruptions can disrupt treatment, slow down relief, or create unnecessary anxiety for a patient who’s counting on a steady drip.

Why “less than 100 mL” is a practical threshold

You might wonder, why 100 mL? Why not report when the bag is closer to empty, or when it’s almost full? The answer is practical and safety-driven. A bag sitting with a tiny amount left is a sign that a replacement is due soon. If the nurse doesn’t know in advance, a pause might happen at a critical moment, like during shift changes or when a patient is in the middle of a comfort measure or diagnostic test. Mentioning that threshold is a cue to plan, not to micromanage. It keeps the flow of care smooth and predictable.

Another way to say it: the NAP isn’t responsible for regulating the flow rate or deciding when to change the bag. The role is to observe the equipment, recognize when action is overdue, and communicate promptly. That keeps the patient safe and the care team aligned.

What the other options get wrong—and why

In many real-life scenarios, a quick instinct is to “fix” things yourself. But the Safety Video module makes a clear point: certain actions fall outside the NAP’s scope and can introduce risk.

• Increasing the flow rate if the patient seems uncomfortable (Option B) sounds like a helpful impulse, but it bypasses the medical plan. Flow rate adjustments are a nursing decision, often tied to fluid balance, heart rate, blood pressure, and the patient’s overall status. It’s a place where misjudgments can lead to fluid overload or inadequate delivery, depending on the patient.

• Changing the IV bag when you notice it is full (Option C) is a clear miscue. An IV bag isn’t “full” and ready to be changed; it’s meant to be changed when empty or near empty according to the physician’s orders and facility protocols. Handling bag changes without direction can cause unintended interruptions or misconnections.

• Monitoring the patient’s pulse every hour (Option D) sits in a murkier zone. Frequent vitals monitoring is essential, but hourly pulse checks by a NAP may be outside the standard scope unless a nurse assigns it. It’s great for a nurse to know if a patient’s status changes, but the rhythm of monitoring should align with policy and professional boundaries.

The bigger picture: teamwork, safety, and clear lines of responsibility

The scenario isn’t just about a bag of IV fluid. It’s about how a healthcare team collaborates to keep a patient safe. The NAP’s action—asking the nurse to come and assess when the bag is nearing completion—supports continuity of care, reduces the risk of an unplanned interruption, and reinforces a culture where communication isn’t just polite—it’s essential. The Safety Video module emphasizes that safety in patient care comes from well-tified roles, reliable handoffs, and timely escalation.

A practical take: how this plays out on the floor

Let me explain with a quick mental model you can carry into any shift. You’re the observer, not the decision-maker, when it comes to IV therapy rate and bag changes. Your job is to notice, document, and communicate. Here’s a simple routine you can use (and many facilities encourage something like this in policy):

• Check the IV bag at the start of your shift and periodically at routine intervals.

• If the bag has less than 100 mL left, calmly alert the nurse with a brief report: “IV bag at 90 mL; patient stable; would you like me to prepare for a change?”

• Note the time and the patient’s status in the chart or the handoff sheet, so the incoming staff isn’t surprised.

• If there’s resistance or uncertainty about the next steps, escalate with a SBAR-style handoff to the nurse: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation.

A little human moment helps here, too. Patients sometimes feel anxious about IV lines. A member of the care team who communicates clearly can ease that tension—no grand gestures required—just reliable, timely information that helps the whole room move forward.

Bringing the module’s lessons into real life

The ATI Safety Video module isn’t asking you to memorize a checklist so you can recite it at the end of a quiz. It’s guiding you to see the value of role clarity and steady communication. When a patient needs IV fluids by gravity drip, the baton is passed between roles smoothly so the patient never misses a beat.

If you’re a student or a new professional just stepping into clinical life, here are a few bite-sized takeaways that echo the module’s spirit:

• Know the boundaries: Some tasks are for the nurse, some for the NAP. When in doubt, default to report and ask for guidance.

• Communicate early: The moment you notice the bag is nearing the end, tell the nurse. It’s about prevention, not catching someone off guard.

• Document responsibly: A simple entry about bag level and timing can save a lot of confusion later.

• Stay curious about safety: Small details—like a disappearing IV bag—can ripple into bigger safety concerns if ignored.

The human side of safety: staying connected as a team

Beyond the clinical steps, there’s a human element in play. Nurses, NAPs, therapists, and doctors all bring essential pieces to the puzzle. The more we lean into polite, precise communication, the easier it is to catch issues before they become problems. That’s the core of patient safety: a culture where the person who notices something off has an easy, trusted way to speak up, and the next person knows exactly how to respond.

A final thought on why this matters

That single instruction—notify me if the IV bag has less than 100 mL left—may seem small. But it embodies a bigger philosophy: patient care works best when everyone knows their role and communicates clearly. It keeps treatment steady, reduces risk, and reinforces the trust patients place in the care team. When you watch a Safety Video like this, you’re not just watching a scene unfold—you’re learning a shared language of safety that travels from the classroom into real rooms with real people.

What’s next for you

If you’re exploring how the Safety Video module informs daily practice, consider mapping your unit’s current IV workflow. Talk with a nurse about common call-back thresholds, or set up a quick, buddy-check system for bag levels at shift changes. These small tweaks can reinforce the same ideas you saw on screen: prompt communication, respect for professional boundaries, and a relentless focus on patient safety.

In the end, it’s all about teamwork—and about the quiet confidence you feel when you know you’re doing your part correctly. The NAP’s role in IV therapy by gravity drip isn’t about replacing a nurse’s judgment; it’s about supporting it, swiftly and safely. And that support—delivered with clear communication and reliable follow-through—keeps care moving forward, even when the room grows quiet and the patient depends on that steady drip to feel better.

Key takeaways summarized

• The correct instruction for NAP is to notify the nurse when the IV bag has less than 100 mL left.

• This supports continuity of care and timely bag changes without overstepping the NAP’s role.

• Avoid adjusting flow rates or changing bags without direction; monitor or report per policy.

• Hourly pulse checks and other assessments should align with assigned duties and unit policy.

• Strong, timely communication—often using structured handoffs like SBAR—bolsters patient safety and teamwork.

If you’re reflecting on what you’ve learned from the module, remember this: safety in care isn’t a single act. It’s a pattern—a series of small, correct moves shared across a team. And when those moves line up, patients feel it in their comfort, in their trust, and in the quiet rhythm of care that never skips a beat.