For Groshong and PASV ports you can flush with saline only.
If you have added a needleless connector to the extension set of the
Huber needle, and its instructions state you can flush with saline
only, then this is what you can do. If using a needleless connector
that does not instruct on saline only flushes, then you will need to
use saline followed by heparin.
If the patient has some other reason to eliminate heparin such as
HIT, you may have to use saline only.
You should also pay attention to the syringe induced reflux by either
using a modifed syringe to remove this reflux or always leaving a
small amount of fluid in the syringe. Do not totally bottom out the
syringe plunger and compress the rubber gasket on the end as this is
what causes reflux also.
Lynn
At 2:33 PM -0700 10/10/06, Earhart, Ann wrote:
Question for everyone on implanted ports.
Before we "deaccess" patients, I know the protocols across the nation
are different, but most will flush with a saline/saline-Heparin Solution
then remove the Huber needle.
I have a question about those patients who are admitted to the hospital
for antibiotics, but no IV fluids. The nurses on our Oncology Unit
access their ports, then cap off the Huber needle and leave it in and
use it like a Saline or Heparin Lock IV. Our question for everyone is
the flushing of these lines in-between antibiotic dosing. Let's say the
patient receives Gentamycin every 8 hours. There is no IV fluids
infusing. Before and after the dose, everyone flushes with 10ml of
Saline, I'll say that's given. The question....does everyone also
Heparinize the line with a dose of Heparinized Saline after each dose of
antibiotic and every 8-24 ours, or are you using Saline only? This
question came up this week. The nurses are questioning practice to make
sure it's current practice.
Ann Earhart, RN, MSN, CRNI
Clinical Nurse Specialist-Adult
Vascular Access/PICC Team
Banner Desert Medical Center
Mesa, Arizona 85213
office-480-512-3980
pager-602-420-3240
e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RNC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
126 Main Street, PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
http://www.hadawayassociates.com
office 770-358-7861
