What is the primary reason IV tubing must be primed before connection?

Rationale: A. To ensure sterility is incorrect because sterility is maintained by aseptic technique, not by priming the tubing. Priming does not sterilize the line; the tubing and IV fluids must already be sterile. B. To improve flow rate is incorrect because priming the tubing does not directly speed up the infusion. Flow rate is controlled by the IV pump, roller clamp, or pressure settings, not by priming. C. To remove air from the tubing is correct. Priming ensures that all air is expelled from the IV tubing before connection to the patient. This prevents air embolism, which can be life-threatening if air enters the bloodstream. Even a small air bubble in a peripheral line can be harmful, and in central lines, even a tiny bubble can cause serious complications. D. To warm the fluid is incorrect because priming does not warm IV fluids. Fluid warming is done separately using IV fluid warmers if clinically indicated, especially for rapid infusion of large volumes.