What is the purpose of a saline flush in IV therapy?

The purpose of a saline flush in IV therapy is to maintain the patency of the IV line and prevent clotting. This is essential because blood can clot when it comes into contact with foreign materials, including the catheter or infusion set. By flushing the IV line with saline, healthcare providers ensure that the vein remains open, allowing for uninterrupted medication delivery while minimizing the risk of complications such as occlusion or thrombus formation within the catheter.

Using saline flushes before and after medication administration helps in clearing the line of any residual medication, which can also ensure that the full dose of the medication is delivered effectively. Moreover, flushing after blood product administration or certain medications helps in maintaining the integrity of the IV line.

The other options, while they relate to various aspects of IV therapy, do not specifically address the primary role of saline flushes. Enhancing medication effectiveness or changing infusion solutions involves different actions, and while reducing infection risk is important, it pertains more to aseptic technique rather than the specific function of saline flushes.