Please tell me about the Mediport

[Blackcat99]

I have to do a hep lock flush on a mediport tonight. I have to get a needle and syringe and put in 3cc ns followed by 1cc heparin. I get so nervous about doing stuff like this because I rarely do any IV kind of stuff. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[jemb]

Blackcat, I, too see that you are getting a lot of different answers here.

If the port is already accessed with a Huber (noncoring) needle, it should be just a matter of your own preference which needle you use to flush it.

However, since you said you are going to do the monthly heparin flush, I am thinking that the port is not already accessed. There is no reason for a port to remain accessed for an entire month if it is not being used on a regular basis. If it is being used regularly. it does not need a monthly heparin flush. Most facilities will change the needle weekly if the port is being used regularly. At that time, unless you are just changing the needle and then reconnecting to a continuous infusion or pca, you would flush it with heparin. only when the port has not been used at all in the prior month does is require a monthly heparin flush.

I think that is where the different answers are coming from.

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

So, Blackcat, how'd it go?

I was a nervous wreck the first time I had to access and flush a port, too.

[nursemary9, BSN, RN]

Hi

Please remember that you must access with a HUBER needle, if it is not already accessed.

Maybe someone mentioned this all ready

Mary Ann

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Link for monthly Port flush:

http://www.mededcon.com/cvc11.htm

Basics:

a. You will need Huber needle w/extension set, need to clean then access Portacath.

b. Attach 10cc syringe with NSS to extension tubing using luerlock syringe , Prime Huber needle extension set. Insert Huber needle in Mediport. Aspirate then flush with NSS.

c. Change to Heparin 5 cc luerlock syringe, flush with Heparin dose per protocal

d. Remove Huber needle discard in sharps container.

Now see, we knew you could do it!

[teeituptom, BSN, RN]

Its really known as the Port of Medi

the entryway to the meditiranean

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[leslie :-D]

Its really known as the Port of Medi

the entryway to the meditiranean

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

i see parkland has been good to you tom.

[Blackcat99]

:chuckle Thanks all for your help. I had been absolutely positively sure that I would have to use needles so I got my solutions ready with 25 inch needles attached. I went and got the other nurse and she picked up the end of the mediport tubing and pulled off a part on the end of it. Hidden inside was the port where you use a syringe and no needle. I did the flush and it went well. Thanks again folks! You guys are the best!

[leslie :-D]

:chuckle Thanks all for your help. I had been absolutely positively sure that I would have to use needles so I got my solutions ready with 25 inch needles attached. I went and got the other nurse and she picked up the end of the mediport tubing and pulled off a part on the end of it. Hidden inside was the port where you use a syringe and no needle. I did the flush and it went well. Thanks again folks! You guys are the best!

so you used a luerlock syringe to flush it.

i so feel your elation.

you did good, girl.

start giving yourself a little more credit, will ya?

kudos to you blackcat.

leslie :balloons:

[jemb]

:chuckle Thanks all for your help. I had been absolutely positively sure that I would have to use needles so I got my solutions ready with 25 inch needles attached. I went and got the other nurse and she picked up the end of the mediport tubing and pulled off a part on the end of it. Hidden inside was the port where you use a syringe and no needle. I did the flush and it went well. Thanks again folks! You guys are the best!

Glad it went well for you.

Had to chuckle at your post, though. I'm sure you meant 25 gauge needles, but I had this image of a terrified patient seeing you walk into the room with a syringe and a verrry looooonnnnnng needle!