Technique/Maintenance Peripheral IVs

flushing

Pronunciation

(flsh'ng)

Definitions

To irrigate with fluid.

Application

The nurse prepared the morphine, 5 mg to be given IV push over 5 minutes, along with two prefilled flushing solutions—one for prior to administration of the medication into the intermittent infusion device and one for post administration.

Keep in Mind

0.9% sodium chloride is used for maintenance of intermittent infusion devices. Flush with 0.9% sodium chloride to ensure and maintain patency. For peripheral IVs, flushing protocol dictates: flush with 2–3 mL at least every 12 hours. Flushing should be done prior to medication administration and post administration of intermittent devices.

*NOTE: Refer to Bonus Flushing Guidelines for Flushing Guidelines.