flushing implanted ports (Question)

[LTCNursemidwest]

My question is proper way to flush implanted ports, I took a class several years ago and the speaker said that when doing the monthly flush that you shold move the plunger on the syringe back and forth instead of just pushing the saline inwith a smooth action.

I have the standarrd of Practice for intravenous nursing but does not give details as to flush method.

Any in put would be great I will be smoothly pushing the saline untill I can find something in black and white.

He person who has the port has no idea on has been no help at all or his md on type of port he has so can't go to man. reccomendations.

THANKS FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE

[jemb]

I push about 5cc saline, then draw back to verify patency/ blood return before pushing the rest of the saline. (Maybe that's what was meant by "move the plunger back and forth"?) We use 500 units heparin after the saline flush. This has been standard practice most places I've worked. Hope this helps.

[jadednurse]

The method you are referring to is called "push/pulse" method I believe. Basically you flush in a pulsing manner, pushing small amounts and then pausing between them. I think the rationale is that flushing in this manner will help prevent clotting of the line/port. I learned this when I had an orientation on PICC lines at my first nursing job. Hope this helps...