What is the procedure for assessing patency of an IV line?

The procedure for assessing the patency of an IV line involves checking for blood return and flushing the line with saline. This approach is effective because it directly tests whether the IV access is clear and functioning properly. When the nurse draws back on the syringe and sees a blood return, it indicates that the catheter is in the vein and not occluded. Following this, flushing the line with saline further confirms patency by ensuring that the fluid can flow freely through the IV catheter and into the bloodstream.

This method helps to identify any blockage or complications, such as clotting or infiltration, that might prevent medication or fluids from being administered effectively. If there is no blood return or resistance is felt while flushing, it suggests that the line may be compromised and requires further assessment or intervention.

Changing the dressing and observing for swelling could provide insight into the condition of the site but does not confirm the functional patency of the IV line itself. Removing the IV catheter and applying a new one is a more drastic measure that would not be necessary if patency could be confirmed with the less invasive flushing method. Measuring the flow rate of the IV fluid could indicate issues but is not as definitive in assessing patency as checking for blood return and flushing the line.