Flushing frequency totally depends upon the type of catheter being used and their instructions for use. Catheters with valves such as Groshong and PASV have instructions that allow for a minimum of flushing once per week with saline only. Check the booklet inside the catheter package. In catheters without these integral valves there is no evidence to support weekly flushing and flushing frequency is determined by the type of therapy and the healthcare setting. For instance, home care may flush daily but ambulatory care may flush only on days when the patient is in for therapy. No evidence, just common practice.
Flushing frequency totally depends upon the type of catheter being used and their instructions for use. Catheters with valves such as Groshong and PASV have instructions that allow for a minimum of flushing once per week with saline only. Check the booklet inside the catheter package. In catheters without these integral valves there is no evidence to support weekly flushing and flushing frequency is determined by the type of therapy and the healthcare setting. For instance, home care may flush daily but ambulatory care may flush only on days when the patient is in for therapy. No evidence, just common practice.
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