Yes, if you have performed a proper assessment of catheter patency - flushed with a 10 mL syringe and met no resistance plus obtained a brisk blood return without any difficulty. The issue is not simply the syringe size, although smaller syringes are known to generate greater amounts of pressure inside the catheter lumen. However, this pressure will ***only*** reach a level that would produce catheter damage ***if*** you are meeting resistance. No resistance means no increase in pressure. Also, what is the purpose of having a stopcock on that catheter hub? These are well-known to increase the risk of bloodstream infections.
Yes, if you have performed a proper assessment of catheter patency - flushed with a 10 mL syringe and met no resistance plus obtained a brisk blood return without any difficulty. The issue is not simply the syringe size, although smaller syringes are known to generate greater amounts of pressure inside the catheter lumen. However, this pressure will ***only*** reach a level that would produce catheter damage ***if*** you are meeting resistance. No resistance means no increase in pressure. Also, what is the purpose of having a stopcock on that catheter hub? These are well-known to increase the risk of bloodstream infections.
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
www.hadawayassociates.com
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
The stopcocks are used in critical care areas all the time. None of the floors use them.
Thanks for the response.
Blanche
Because stopcocks have a much higher risk of infection, you might want to suggest that you exam your CRBSI rates and the causes in those units.
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
www.hadawayassociates.com
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861