What defines an intermittent administration set?

An intermittent administration set is characterized by its shorter length and the specific design that allows it to attach at a Y-site for medication administration. This feature is particularly advantageous in IV therapy as it facilitates the delivery of medications without needing a separate line, minimizing the use of additional intravenous access points.

The function of an intermittent administration set is to deliver medications intermittently, which is critical in situations where patients do not require continuous fluid infusion. By utilizing a Y-site, healthcare providers can efficiently administer medications while still managing the primary IV line effectively.

The other options describe features that may not accurately fit the definition of an intermittent administration set. For instance, while fluid volumes may be controlled in an IV setup, that does not necessarily define an intermittent type. Also, while it is possible to administer medications when no primary IV is present, this is not a distinctive feature of intermittent sets as it can apply to other IV systems as well. Lastly, the frequency with which IV sets must be changed can vary depending on protocols and the type of IV access, but it does not uniquely define an intermittent administration set.