How do I Flush Triple Lumen Catheters?

Vascular access devices such as a catheter allow direct access to the circulatory system. They are used for therapies that require placement where there is a high blood flow. Once a medication is administered into a catheter, it takes effect immediately. Reversing the effect of a medication administered in a catheter is almost impossible; therefore, these devices are only inserted by physicians or certified nurses. Catheters come in different types--single, double and triple lumen. Lumens are hollow tubes that can be separated into two to three channels for access to the catheter. Flushing the lumens is important because it helps keep bacteria from finding their way to the circulatory system and causing an infection.

Things You'll Need

• Hand soap
• Water
• Paper towel
• Gloves
• 10cc syringe
• Needleless syringe
• Alcohol swab
• Heparin
• Sharps container

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Instructions

• 1

  Check the physician's order for triple lumen flush. A physician's order is necessary for procedures dealing with a patient.

• 2

  Gather all supplies before entering the patient's room. Having all of the supplies needed on hand in the patient's room will help prevent you from making mistakes and you will appear more confident when doing the procedure.

• 3

  Check the patient's identity. Make sure you are in the correct room with the correct patient. This is also the best time to match the physician's order with the patient's name and to check whether the patient is allergic to anything (for example, heparin). Explain to the patient what procedure you are doing and answer questions if the patient has any.

• 4

  Wash your hands for at least 30 seconds and dry with paper towels. Always wash hands before and after procedures to protect patients and caregivers. Put the gloves on after drying your hands thoroughly.

• 5

  Wipe the rubber top of the vial of heparin with an alcohol swab to prevent any bacteria from entering.

• 6

  Draw back three cubic centimeter of air with the 10 cubic centimeter syringe and insert into the vial. Three cubic centimeter of heparin is usually recommended to flush a lumen unless you have been instructed differently.

• 7

  Eject three cubic centimeter of air into the vial and draw back the same amount of heparin. Check for air bubbles in the syringe and remove them if they are present. Flick the body of the syringe with your middle finger until the air bubble disappears or eject the fluid back into the vial and draw the fluid back again.

• 8

  Repeat the same procedures for two more syringes with a total of three syringes for three lumens.

• 9

  Replace the needle with needleless cannula to use for insertion into the catheter.

• 10

  Wipe the injection cap of the lumen that will be flushed with an alcohol swab and let it dry. Make sure any lumen that has been cleaned does not touch anything to avoid contamination.

• 11

  Remove the clamp of the lumen to gain access.

• 12

  Remove the cap of the needleless syringe and insert it into the injection cap.

• 13

  Inject the heparin slowly into the lumen. If you meet resistance, recheck the clamp again. If there is still resistance, stop and let the physician know.

• 14

  Reclamp the lumen as you finish and remove the syringe.

• 15

  Dispose of the syringe in the sharp container.

• 16

  Repeat the same process with the other two lumens. Flush each lumen with a new syringe.

• 17

  Wash your hands again and dry them thoroughly with paper towels after the procedure is accomplished.

• 18

  Chart the procedure and report any abnormal findings.