What is the purpose of changing the IV administration set every 72 hours?

Changing the IV administration set every 72 hours is primarily aimed at preventing infections and complications. Over time, the materials used in IV products can become contaminated with microorganisms, which increases the risk of local or systemic infections. Maintaining a regular schedule for changing the IV administration set minimizes the possibility of bacterial growth and helps ensure that the IV line remains safe for delivery of fluids and medications.

Moreover, it helps to combat complications such as thrombophlebitis, which can occur if the IV line is left in place for too long without replacement. Following proper protocols for IV maintenance is a crucial part of patient care, making preventing infections a top priority in a clinical setting. While other options might relate to different aspects of IV therapy, they do not directly connect to the reasoning behind the established 72-hour change interval for administration sets.