A nurse is preparing to administer an intravenous (IV) push medication through a client's peripheral IV saline lock. In what order should the nurse perform the following actions? Arrange the steps in the correct sequence.
- 1Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves.
- 2Scrub the injection port of the IV catheter with an antiseptic swab.
- 3Flush the IV catheter with 0.9% sodium chloride to verify patency.
- 4Inject the medication over the prescribed amount of time.
- 5Flush the IV catheter again with 0.9% sodium chloride.
Answer
The correct sequence is to perform hand hygiene and don gloves, scrub the injection port, flush the line with normal saline to check patency, inject the medication over the prescribed time, and finally flush the line again with normal saline.
The standard and safest sequence for administering an IV push medication through a saline lock follows strict infection control protocols and the established SAS (Saline-Administer-Saline) method. The nurse must first perform hand hygiene and don gloves to protect both the patient and themselves. Next, the injection port is scrubbed to prevent introducing pathogens. The initial flush with normal saline is critical to confirm the line is patent and not infiltrated. After patency is established, the medication is safely injected at the prescribed rate. Finally, a subsequent saline flush is necessary to clear the medication from the line, ensuring the patient receives the complete dose and preventing catheter occlusion.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Safe administration of IV push medications via a saline lock using the SAS (Saline-Administer-Saline) method.