Question

How is the purpose of the second saline flush different from the purpose of the first flush when administering an intermittent IV medication?

Answer 1

Intermittent infusion is also called piggyback or secondary line

Many medications are administered this way especially antibiotics.

It may be given through the port of a running line or through saline or a heparin lock

Most are supplied in bags containing 50 to 250ml of D5W or NS given over a period of time usually 30-60 minutes and at regular intervals that is every 6 hours

A small bag is a secondary bag that is attached to a primary iv line for administration

*The purpose of the first flush is to clear the IV line from any clots and helps the patency of the line prior to the administration of the medication.

*The purpose of the second flush is to prevent the further clotting of the line for the administration of next medication, clear the medications that are administered and as well as the prevent the entry of microorganisms, maintains the patency of IV line for further administration of medication.