Which factor must you verify about an IV line before starting therapy?

Which factor must you verify about an IV line before starting therapy?

• A. Time since last meal
• B. Room temperature
• C. Infusion pump brand
• D. Patency

Answer: (D)

Patency means the IV line is open and unobstructed so medications can flow reliably. Before starting therapy, you test patency by flushing with normal saline and ensuring there is easy, unresisted flow and a proper saline flush return. You also check the IV site for signs of infiltration, swelling, or redness. If the line isn’t patent, the drug may not infuse at the correct rate, risks local tissue injury or unintended bolus, and you’d need to fix or replace the IV before proceeding. The other factors listed don’t determine whether the line is ready to deliver therapy: meal timing, room temperature, or the infusion pump brand don’t ensure the line is actually open and functioning for administration.

Patency means the IV line is open and unobstructed so medications can flow reliably. Before starting therapy, you test patency by flushing with normal saline and ensuring there is easy, unresisted flow and a proper saline flush return. You also check the IV site for signs of infiltration, swelling, or redness. If the line isn’t patent, the drug may not infuse at the correct rate, risks local tissue injury or unintended bolus, and you’d need to fix or replace the IV before proceeding. The other factors listed don’t determine whether the line is ready to deliver therapy: meal timing, room temperature, or the infusion pump brand don’t ensure the line is actually open and functioning for administration.