Flushing IV sites?

[nycNurse2b]

If a patient is on continuous IV fluid, do you ever have to flush the line with NS? Or Heparin? Does you facility have a procedure on that or is it just general nursing procedure.

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

[bjaeram]

The point is to know if your line is still patent or not. Just because you are running continuous IV fluids does not mean it hasn't infiltrated. Same with central lines because the line could very well have migrated out.

You assess for infiltration by assessing the site for pain, swelling, ect. Those symptoms will be present with a continuous infusion just as much as with a flush. If the infusion is running and the site looks fine you know the line is patent.

[nycNurse2b]

Thanks everyone - -

One follow-up question - - so what about if its continuous IV and at some pt during the shift I hang an IVPB. When the IVPB is done do I need to flush or just let the continuous fluid run?

[bjaeram]

Thanks everyone - -

One follow-up question - - so what about if its continuous IV and at some pt during the shift I hang an IVPB. When the IVPB is done do I need to flush or just let the continuous fluid run?

Just let the fluid run, that flushes the line.

[clamtown]

Honestly, this seems like one of those strange policies unique to LTC that is mostly about CYA rather than actual patient safety.