You idiot.....

Was it clamped?

No do not feel like an idiot......this happens all the time. If you have any type of valved catheter (ie Groshong.Pasv.SOLO) you often have to pre-flush to aid in the valve opening. This is a good idea for any PICC or CVC to ensure patency. Sometimes you will have to change patient positions as in pulling the arm out.puttting the bed down and things like that. If you have a dual lumen try the other port. If you have a PWO (persistant withdrawl occlusion) meaning you are able to easily instill but unable to easily withraw (more than once and after troubleshooting) the catheter needs to be treated with TPA.

You are welcome garciadiego!!!! I am blessed to have found a speciality i love but I never forget how talented all types of nurses are and I see it constantly. no one knows everything