Which statement about flushing vascular access devices is true?

Which statement about flushing vascular access devices is true?

• A. 0.9% Sodium chloride is isotonic and appropriate for flushing.
• B. Sterile water is recommended for flushing.
• C. Purified water should be used for flush to remove debris.
• D. Hypertonic saline is preferred for lumen maintenance.

Answer: (A)

Keeping a vascular access device patent relies on flushing with a solution that is compatible with blood and IV tubing. The best choice is a solution that is isotonic, meaning its osmolality is close to that of plasma. 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) fits that, so it won’t cause red blood cell swelling or shrinkage and it integrates safely with IV lines. That makes it appropriate for routine flushing to maintain patency between uses or after medication administration. Sterile water and purified water are not suitable because they are hypotonic relative to plasma. Infusing them can cause red blood cell lysis and fluid shifts, leading to potential harm. Hypertonic saline is not used for lumen maintenance; it can irritate the vessel and cause osmotic damage. So, the statement that normal saline is isotonic and appropriate for flushing accurately reflects standard practice for keeping vascular access devices open and safe.

Keeping a vascular access device patent relies on flushing with a solution that is compatible with blood and IV tubing. The best choice is a solution that is isotonic, meaning its osmolality is close to that of plasma. 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) fits that, so it won’t cause red blood cell swelling or shrinkage and it integrates safely with IV lines. That makes it appropriate for routine flushing to maintain patency between uses or after medication administration.

Sterile water and purified water are not suitable because they are hypotonic relative to plasma. Infusing them can cause red blood cell lysis and fluid shifts, leading to potential harm. Hypertonic saline is not used for lumen maintenance; it can irritate the vessel and cause osmotic damage.

So, the statement that normal saline is isotonic and appropriate for flushing accurately reflects standard practice for keeping vascular access devices open and safe.