Arterial line sampling

The sample port is always off and pointing downwards, correct? When sampling the stopcock is off to the flush and the off is pointing to the left, and to flush the whole line would be to turn it off to the pt. (to the right)? Thanks!

First Q -- I don't know what you mean by "downwards."

Second Q -- Yes, that is correct, for all the systems I have ever worked with.

Third Q -- No. To flush the whole line it can't be off to the patient (to the right.) You need to put the stopcock in a neutral position (in my mind, this is "up", or perpendicular to the line itself) so it is open to both the flush bag and the patient. This is also the position the stopcock needs to be in to monitor the patient, if that answers your first question.