How to flush the catheter after completing intravenous infusion with an indwelling needle
After completing intravenous infusion with an indwelling catheter, the catheter can be sealed using normal saline, heparinized saline, or the infusion set compression method. Catheter sealing should be performed by trained medical personnel. Taking normal saline sealing as an example, the specific procedure is as follows:
1. Before sealing, healthcare providers should wash their hands thoroughly, wear gloves and a mask, and prepare the normal saline.
2. Draw 10 mL of normal saline into a syringe and inject it through the heparin cap. When approximately 0.5–1 mL of saline remains, begin slowly withdrawing the syringe needle while continuing to inject, ensuring that the injection speed is faster than the withdrawal speed.
3. After completely removing the needle, inspect the indwelling catheter to confirm that the entire lumen is filled with normal saline.
It is recommended to regularly disinfect the access site of the indwelling catheter. If the catheter remains in place for an extended period, it should be replaced periodically.