What is the purpose of the "flush" after administering medication via IV?

The purpose of flushing after administering medication via IV is primarily to ensure that all of the medication has entered the bloodstream and to maintain the patency of the IV line. Flushing with a saline solution following medication administration helps to remove any residual medication from the tubing and delivery system, ensuring that the full dose administered is delivered to the patient. It also helps to clear the line of any particulate matter and ensures that the IV remains open and functioning properly—this is essential for ongoing therapy and to prevent clots from forming in the catheter, which could lead to complications.

While other options present related concepts, they do not capture the full purpose as effectively. Decreasing medication concentration might suggest diluting the drug, which is not the goal of flushing. Checking for adverse reactions is usually done through monitoring the patient rather than through flushing, and preventing air bubbles is a consideration during the process but not the primary reason for flushing after medication administration. Thus, the flush serves a critical role in patient safety and treatment efficacy by confirming that the medication is completely delivered and the IV site remains clear.