A catheter should always be aspirated prior to flushing. Normally blood should be aspirated into syringe. Position stopcocks so system is open to patient and squeeze fast flush device until tubing is cleared. Removes blood residue that may become a reservoir for bacterial growth. Record amount of flush solution used q. shift.
Measures intake for fluid balance status.
Change arterial line dressing per local infection control policies. Reduces risk of infection. Turn stopcock proximal to transducer upward to close system to the patient. In-line syringe by depressing the ridged area of the plunger clip. Fill the syringe at no faster than 1 cc per second.