HESI Introduction to Allied Health (AH) Practice Test 2026 - Free Allied Health Practice Questions and Study Guide

The essential practice is to ensure the catheter lumen is clear and ready for drug delivery. Flushing the lumen with sterile saline clears any residual blood or small clots, verifies that the line is open, and helps prevent the medication from becoming backed up or blocked. Once the lumen is confirmed patent, administer the medication through the same lumen so it goes directly into the bloodstream. A following saline flush after the medication is often performed to push the drug fully into circulation and keep the line open. Administering without flushing increases the risk of occlusion and inaccurate dosing. Using heparin before giving the medication isn’t routinely required for every drug and can introduce unnecessary anticoagulation effects or interactions. Removing the catheter before administering medication defeats the purpose of having central access.