When preparing to administer an intravenous medication through a central venous catheter, what is the correct step?

• A. Administer through the lumen directly
• B. Draw back blood to confirm placement
• C. Flush the lumen with the saline solution and administer the medication through the lumen
• D. Flush with sterile water before med

Answer: (C)

The key idea is making sure the catheter lumen is open and ready for drug delivery. Flushing with normal saline clears any debris or small clots and confirms the lumen is patent, providing a safe, unobstructed conduit for the medication. After this flush, you administer the drug through the same lumen. Using sterile water is not appropriate because it’s hypotonic and can cause hemolysis or electrolyte imbalances. Drawing back blood to confirm placement is a step used to verify catheter position when the line is first placed, not a routine pre-dose check for every medication administration.