Which step is essential to verify IV catheter patency after insertion?

Which step is essential to verify IV catheter patency after insertion?

• A. Flush with normal saline and observe for flow
• B. Use sterile technique
• C. Leave the tourniquet in place
• D. Tape the IV without securing

Answer: (A)

Patency means the IV catheter lumen is open and allows fluid to flow into the vein without obstruction. The essential step to verify this after insertion is to flush a small amount of normal saline through the catheter and observe for smooth, unimpeded flow into the vein. If the saline infuses readily and you see the expected flow, the catheter is patent and in the correct position. If you encounter resistance, no flow, or signs of infiltration, patency is not confirmed and the catheter should be reassessed. Sterile technique is always important to prevent infection, but it does not by itself verify whether the catheter is patent. The tourniquet is used during insertion to help visualize veins and is not needed to confirm patency afterward. Taping the IV without securing it handles securing the line, not patency.

Patency means the IV catheter lumen is open and allows fluid to flow into the vein without obstruction. The essential step to verify this after insertion is to flush a small amount of normal saline through the catheter and observe for smooth, unimpeded flow into the vein. If the saline infuses readily and you see the expected flow, the catheter is patent and in the correct position. If you encounter resistance, no flow, or signs of infiltration, patency is not confirmed and the catheter should be reassessed.

Sterile technique is always important to prevent infection, but it does not by itself verify whether the catheter is patent. The tourniquet is used during insertion to help visualize veins and is not needed to confirm patency afterward. Taping the IV without securing it handles securing the line, not patency.