kstrine13

we use only nss. evidence has proven that there is no difference with maintaining line patency & by using nss, you can prevent life threatening hit. heparin induced thrombocytopenia has been shown to occur even with 1 exposure to heparin & occurs more frequently than you might expect. i have seen patients with hit & it's a nightmare! as far as wedging the swan, we usually get 1 or 2 readings & if they are within 1 or 2 mmhg of the pad, we use that. the balloons on the swans are only good for about 20 or so wedges & this way you reduce the change of pulmonary infarction or other complications. sorry, i was so long winded!