What do we know about flushing for intravenous catheter maintenance in hospitalized adults?

• Autor(a) principal: Ribeiro,Gabriella da Silva Rangel
• Data de Publicação: 2022
• Outros Autores: Campos,Juliana Faria, Silva,Rafael Celestino da
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: eng
• Título da fonte: Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem (Online)
• Texto Completo: http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0034-71672022000600302
• topic: Advanced Practice Nursing; Catheterization; Medication Errors; Biomedical Technology; Infusions; Intravenous

ABSTRACT Objective: to evidence the use of flushing to prevent complications from intravenous therapy. Methods: an integrative review in databases, using descriptors and selection criteria. Data were collected in 12 articles using an instrument and later classified, summarized and aggregated for knowledge synthesis. Results: it was evident that: the pre-filled syringe resulted in a lower occurrence of catheter obstruction; irregular flushing frequency caused advanced phlebitis; the use of Venous Arterial Blood Management Protection (VAMP) generated a lower incidence of blood infection; heparinized solution did not result in a lower central catheter failure rate; flushing volume and frequency were not predictors of catheter failure; flushing practice was not shown to be incorporated among professionals. Conclusion: there are disagreements about the volume, frequency, solution and devices used in flushing. New technologies can reduce complications such as obstruction and infection.