What is a Saline Flush and Why Do I Need one?
Your healthcare provider wants you to flush your IV catheter.Depending on the type and size of your catheter, your medicine schedule, and your provider's policies and procedures, the exact flush method you use will be different.IV flush methods will be different for infants and children.A general guide is below.
Do you know how often you need to flush your IV catheter?After each use, you may need to flush your IV catheter.If you don't use it, you may need to flush it once a day.Some catheters only need to be flushed weekly.Follow your doctor's instructions.You will be told how much to use the flush solution.The flush solution is usually normal.This comes in a prefilled container.After the second saline flush, you may be told to flush your IV catheter with a heparin solution.The solution helps prevent the formation of clot in the catheter.
You can wash your hands with soap and water.You need to do this before you put your supplies on the work surface.
You should only touch your supplies after cleaning your hands.You should clean your hands if you touch furniture or clothes.This is important to prevent infections.
The work surface has been cleaned and dried.You should place them in the order you will use them.
You will most likely use prefilled needles that have something in them.Ask your healthcare team for instructions if you aren't using prefilled needles.
Disinfectant wipes or other supplies should be used to clean the injection cap on your catheter.For 10 to 15 seconds, scrub the top, tip, and sides.Wait up to 30 seconds for the cap to dry.Follow instructions given to you by your healthcare team.
Don't touch the injection cap after cleaning it.Hold the end of the catheter securely.Make sure the injection cap is clean.Germs could easily enter your body if it does.
Air bubbles can be removed by your healthcare team.The first thing to do is use the saline solution.
Blood can be seen in the catheter if you pull back on the needle.This is a sign that the catheter is working.Call your healthcare team if you don't see blood moving through the catheter.Don't check for blood during the first flush.When you flush the catheter again, you don't need to check for blood.
The solution should be pushed into the catheter slowly.It should be easy to push the plunger.Don't force it if there is resistance.Make sure the tubing above the injection cap is unclamped.Call your healthcare team if you still feel resistance.
The tubing should be reclamped after injecting the solution.Specific instructions may be given to you by your healthcare team.
If you experience any of the following at or near the site where the catheter is inserted, call your healthcare provider.
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