What should be done first during the flushing of a catheter?

When flushing a catheter, it is crucial to ensure aseptic technique to prevent infections and complications. Scrubbing the hub is the first step in the process as it significantly reduces the risk of introducing pathogens into the catheter system. The hub of the catheter serves as a major entry point for fluids and medications, making it essential to disinfect it prior to any manipulation.

Properly scrubbing the hub with an antiseptic solution for the recommended duration ensures that any contaminants present are eliminated. This practice aligns with standard infection control procedures and helps to maintain the integrity of the vascular system. After this step, checking for blood return, flushing with saline, and assessing patient allergies can be conducted safely, but thorough cleansing of the hub should always precede any direct access to the catheter to ensure the utmost patient safety.