2007-03-06 01:53:28 · 6 answers · asked by angel 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
that would be a gravity drip, if you're using a pump it is above the pump so air does not enter your bloodstream
2007-03-06 01:58:53 · answer #1 · answered by Heather 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually, it needs to be kept at a level above the heart, or blood will back into the tube, clot, and seriously screw things up. The venous pressure at the level of the heart is approximately 0-4 mm Hg. So if the IV bottle (or bag) is below that, the pressure in the vein will be higher than the pressure in the bottle and nothing will flow.
2007-03-06 03:10:59 · answer #2 · answered by misoma5 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is placed above so that gravity will caused the fluid to drip down into the the vein of the patient in a consistent manner.
2007-03-06 02:15:37 · answer #3 · answered by Sarah D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The gravity (level difference) helps the liquid go into the vein. If you keep it at the same level as the hand, the blood comes into the bottle because the heart keeps pumping the blood.
2007-03-06 01:59:50 · answer #4 · answered by Swamy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So that gravity will ensure the fluid will flow into the patient.
2007-03-06 01:57:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It would suck blood back instead of fluid in.
2007-03-06 01:56:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋