Our current policy is to stock saline syringes for flush in bedside
carts in each patient's room. Our unit is locked and our staffing is
never greater than 1:2.

We are now being told that we must have these flushes locked as saline
is considered a "drug". Doing so will make it more difficult for the
nursing staff.

How is this issue handled in your ICU's? Is the bedside cart locked?
Do you keep these outside of the rooms?

Any light that you can shed would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Susan Davis Gerhardt, MSN, RN
Administrative Director, Surgical Trauma ICU
University Hospital
4502 Medical Drive
San Antonio, TX 78229






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