The nurse is preparing to flush a patient's intermittent IV catheter. Why is the nurse flushing this catheter?

a. To open an occluded catheter
b. To provide electrolyte replacement
c. To prevent the formation of emboli
d. To ensure the patency of the catheter


ANS: D
D. Flushing maintains catheter patency. A. C. Flushing will not prevent formation of emboli and may even cause emboli when done inappropriately such as in an attempt to open an occluded catheter. B. Flushing uses a small amount of solution and will not replace lost fluids or provide electrolytes.

Nursing

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