What defines the difference between a primary IV infusion and an IV piggyback (IVPB)?

• A. IVPB uses a central line; primary infusion uses peripheral.
• B. A primary infusion is continuous; an IVPB is a small-volume medication given intermittently via a secondary line with its own rate and flush.
• C. IVPB is never used for medications
• D. A primary infusion is intermittent; IVPB is continuous.

Answer: (B)

The main concept here is how the two infusion setups differ in timing and connection. A primary infusion runs continuously through the main IV line, delivering a steady flow of fluid or medication over a long period. An IV piggyback, on the other hand, is a small‑volume medication given intermittently through a secondary line that has its own rate and is followed by a saline flush. This secondary line is connected to the same IV system but controlled separately, so the piggyback dose is delivered over a short period while the primary infusion keeps running.

This arrangement is what makes IV piggyback meds convenient: you can administer a dose on a schedule without interrupting the ongoing primary infusion. The line is then flushed to ensure the medication is fully delivered and to keep the line patent.

The other statements aren’t accurate because the defining feature isn’t central versus peripheral access, nor is IV piggyback usage negated for medications, nor is the primary infusion itself intermittent.