In which scenario would you refrain from flushing a CVAD?

In which scenario would you refrain from flushing a CVAD?

• A. If the patient requests it
• B. If there is resistance while flushing
• C. If the catheter is brand new
• D. If the drug being administered is compatible

Answer: (B)

Refraining from flushing a Central Venous Access Device (CVAD) when there is resistance while flushing is a critical practice in maintaining patient safety and ensuring the integrity of the catheter. When resistance is encountered, it can indicate several potential issues, such as a thrombus (clot), kinking of the catheter, or the catheter being malpositioned. Forcing a flush against resistance could lead to complications, including damage to the catheter or even injury to the vein or surrounding tissue. In such cases, it's essential to reassess the situation, possibly through imaging or other evaluations, to determine the cause of the resistance before attempting any further interventions. This careful approach helps prevent further complications and ensures that appropriate measures are taken to resolve any issues affecting the CVAD.

Refraining from flushing a Central Venous Access Device (CVAD) when there is resistance while flushing is a critical practice in maintaining patient safety and ensuring the integrity of the catheter. When resistance is encountered, it can indicate several potential issues, such as a thrombus (clot), kinking of the catheter, or the catheter being malpositioned. Forcing a flush against resistance could lead to complications, including damage to the catheter or even injury to the vein or surrounding tissue.

In such cases, it's essential to reassess the situation, possibly through imaging or other evaluations, to determine the cause of the resistance before attempting any further interventions. This careful approach helps prevent further complications and ensures that appropriate measures are taken to resolve any issues affecting the CVAD.