When flushing between medications, what is an important consideration?

Flushing between medications is critical to ensure that there are no harmful interactions or precipitation of any remaining medications in the catheter. When two incompatible medications are administered sequentially through a vascular access device, residual medication left in the lumen can react with the next medication, potentially causing serious complications. A flush—typically with a compatible solution such as saline—clears the previous medication from the catheter, ensuring that the next medication delivered is effective and safe.

By performing a flush, healthcare providers minimize the risk of causing adverse reactions that could arise from drug interactions, providing a safeguard for patient safety. Adequate flushing also helps to maintain patency of the catheter, preventing clot formation and preserving the ability to deliver medications effectively.

This understanding is pivotal in vascular access management, where the safe administration of multiple medications is a common practice.