An Experimental Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Normal Saline Flush Versus Heparin Flush in Maintaning the Patency of Peripheral Intravenous Cannula in the Patient Receiving Intermittent Intravenous Medication

Abstract

Aim: The present study indicates an experimental study to assess the effectiveness of normal saline flush versus heparin flush in maintaining the patency of peripheral intravenous cannula in the patients receiving intermittent intravenous medication. Study Design: The conceptual framework which was adopted for this study was based on Ernestine Wiedenbach’s helping art of clinical nursing theory (1964) known as prescriptive theory in a modified form. The present study was conducted at medical unit of Sanjeevan Hospital Dariyaganj New Delhi. Purpose: The main Objective of the study were to access the patency of intravenous cannula with intermittent saline flush and Heparin flush in patients having intravenous cannula receiving intermittent medication and compare their effectiveness. Methodology: The research approach adopted was a true experimental approach and the research design was multiple treatment, pre-test, post-test control group design.The independent variable for the study were normal saline flush and heparin flush & the dependent variables were patency of peripheral IV cannula. Data Analysis and Results: The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics in terms of frequency, percentage and chi square. Saline flushing and heparin flush are equally effective in maintaining the patency of peripheral IV cannula. Normal saline flusheh not only reduces the patient’s discomfort but also reduces the health care cost of patients. A similar study can be done on patient receiving chemotherapy to see effect of saline flushing versus heparin flush on the severity of occurrence of chemotherapy induced phlebitis. onclusion:On the basis of the study findings the recommendations made for future research. A cannulaand duration of IV therapy.