When your child returns home after a liver transplant, he or she may have to use a catheter for a period of time. Below are some tips on how to flush a catheter.
Supplies You Will Need
- One (1) heparin syringe for each lumen
- Alcohol wipes
- Sharps container
How To Flush the Catheter
- Gather all your supplies. Before you begin, make sure that your work area is clean, and then wash your hands.
- Remove the protective cap from the vial, and swab the top of the vial thoroughly with a fresh alcohol wipe.
- Draw in air by pulling back on the syringe plunger. The amount of air you draw in should be equal to the amount of medication to be withdrawn from the vial into the syringe.
- Carefully remove the needle cap from the syringe. Remember, do not touch the needle. If you do touch the needle by accident, do not use it.
- Insert the needle into the center of the rubber stopper on the vial.
- Turn the vial upside down, and inject the air from the syringe into the vial of medication. Gently pull back on the plunger of the syringe, allowing the medication to fill the syringe. Withdraw the desired amount of medication as specified on the prescription label. Slowly withdraw the needle from the vial and carefully replace the protective cap over the needle.
Learn more about Liver Transplant Safety and Best Practices.
