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syringe size (10cc)) on central venous lines

If injecting medication thru y port on iv fluids can you safely use a syringe less than 10ccs and would this also apply to stopcocks?

Thank you

lynncrni
Yes, if you have performed a

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

The stopcocks are used in critical care areas all the time.  None of the floors use them.

Thanks for the response.

Blanche

lynncrni
Because stopcocks have a

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

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