A nurse is caring for a PICC in the left upper extremity. It would indicate correct nursing care if the nurse

A nurse is caring for a PICC in the left upper extremity. It would indicate correct nursing care if the nurse

• A. Pulsatile flushes each lumen with 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) in a 10 mL syringe.
• B. Slowly flushes each lumen with 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) in a 10 mL syringe.
• C. Pulsatile flushes each lumen with sterile water in a 10 mL syringe.
• D. Pulsatile flushes each lumen with 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) in a 5 mL syringe.

Answer: (A)

Maintaining catheter patency relies on flushing in a way that clears the lumen without damaging the catheter. Pulsatile flushing delivers brief back-and-forth pressures, which helps dislodge microthrombi and debris and reduces occlusion risk, rather than pushing fluid in a continuous, steady stream. Using normal saline is standard because it is isotonic and compatible with IV lines; sterile water is not used for flushing central lines due to the risk of hemolysis if it enters the bloodstream and potential electrolyte imbalances. The syringe size matters because a smaller syringe can generate higher pressure for the same force, increasing the risk of lumen damage; a 10 mL syringe provides the appropriate pressure to flush safely. So, pulsatile flush with normal saline in a 10 mL syringe best reflects correct care for a PICC.

Maintaining catheter patency relies on flushing in a way that clears the lumen without damaging the catheter. Pulsatile flushing delivers brief back-and-forth pressures, which helps dislodge microthrombi and debris and reduces occlusion risk, rather than pushing fluid in a continuous, steady stream. Using normal saline is standard because it is isotonic and compatible with IV lines; sterile water is not used for flushing central lines due to the risk of hemolysis if it enters the bloodstream and potential electrolyte imbalances. The syringe size matters because a smaller syringe can generate higher pressure for the same force, increasing the risk of lumen damage; a 10 mL syringe provides the appropriate pressure to flush safely. So, pulsatile flush with normal saline in a 10 mL syringe best reflects correct care for a PICC.