Question

The nurse has attended a staff education conference about obtaining blood specimens from a central venous access device (VAD). Which of the following statements by the nurse would require follow-up?

1. " I will use a 3-mL syringe to flush the catheter port"

2. "The injection cap should be cleansed with antiseptic and allowed to air dry."

3. I will aspirate 5 mL of blood and discard the yringer in the biohazard container before obtainining the specimen.

4. The infusion should be turned off for at least 1 minute before the specimen is aspirated.

I think its 1 because its supposed to be flushed with 10mL or higher than 3mL. Could you please explain why you choose what answer and not the other ones as well?

Answer 1

After sample collection from the central line it has to be flushed out with 0.9% NS to prevent any clogs or occlusion in the line and maintain patency .A 10 ml or 20 ml syringe has to be used.The fluid dynamics and fluid volume should be appropriate to prevent occlusion this is possible only when a greater diameter syringe is used to flush.If it is flushed with 10 ml syringe it acts as a good locking system and hence preventing occlusion .

The other three options are the standard protocol which is to be followed prope to drawing blood from central venous line.

Ans:"I will use a 3 ml syringe to flush the catheter port"