What the Heck is a TLC Flush?

SnowymtnRN · Dec 4, 2003

I'm assuming its a Triple Lumen Catheter Flush. Sound right?

amblessing · Dec 4, 2003

Woohoo Dawn! I think that may be it. Today was my pre-clinical visit to get all the "scoop" and I don't actually meet my patient until tomorrow - nobody told me that she had a triple lumen

SnowymtnRN · Dec 4, 2003

LOL well i hope i'm right then! At least you'll get experience flushing a TLC, doing dressing changes, etc.....

Carolanne · Dec 4, 2003

I assume it would be similar from hospital to hospital, but we use a 10 cc syringe to flush a TLC or central line and 3 cc to flush a peripheral line (i.e. wrist).

gwenith, BSN, RN · Dec 4, 2003

Last I looked TLC stood for "Tender Loving Care" so perhaps they just need a lot of hugs!:rotfl:

On a serious note - NEVER be afraid to question what an abbreviation stands for because there are way too many and they often mean different things in different hospitals. The classic is SOB - can mean short of breath but can also mean Sat Out of Bed.

The classic is the story of the nurse who saw BWO next to the patients chart and went ahead with a Bowel Wash Out only to be told it stood for Bowels Well Open.:imbar:

2ndCareerRN · Dec 4, 2003

I thought it was someone trying to steal my latest invention for the ER waiting room. Just like the little pump sprays fresh smellies in the bathroom.

Only this one will send aerolized thorazine, lorazapam, and compazine wafting through the waiting room, with a lavender based aroma (calming). Much to the delight of the triage nurse, and the rest of the ER staff.

But, more to the point, gwenith is right. Each hospital, and different doctors have their own version of approved (and unapproved) abbreviations. If you aren't sure, ask someone.

bob