A: Flush your IV with the type and amount of fluid that you have been instructed to use at the end of a medication dose. For example, if you are supposed to flush your IV with 5 cc of saline after your dose ends and then 5 cc of heparin, you should use another 5 cc of heparin.

If you have been instructed to flush with 5 cc of saline only, repeat the flushing with saline. Blood that sits in your IV for too long may form a clot and block your catheter. If you attempt to flush your catheter and are unable to do so, call your local Apria Pharmacy and ask to speak with a nurse.