What should be done if an IV line is suspected of being occluded?

If an IV line is suspected of being occluded, attempting to flush the IV line is a proper initial action. Flushing can help determine if the occlusion is due to a minor blockage, such as blood sticking to the catheter or a small clot, rather than a complete occlusion or other complications. By administering a saline solution through the line, it may clear the blockage and restore patency without the need for more invasive measures.

If flushing is successful, the IV line can remain in use. However, if flushing fails and resistance is encountered, this signals a more significant issue, which would warrant further evaluation and possibly replacing the IV line.

Other approaches such as leaving the line and monitoring for collateral circulation do not actively address the potential occlusion, and could lead to complications if the line is indeed blocked. Replacing the IV line immediately can be unnecessary if the blockage can be cleared by a flush. Starting a completely new IV setup in a different location may also be premature and inefficient, especially if the existing line can be salvaged. Thus, flushing the IV line is the best immediate response and a logical first step in managing a suspected occlusion.