HFHS General Orientation Practice Exam 2026 - Free Orientation Practice Questions and Study Guide

Flushing tubing after administering morphine is primarily done to ensure that the entire dose of the medication is delivered into the patient's system and to clear the tubing of any residual medication. Saline is commonly used for this purpose because it is isotonic with the body and does not interfere with the action of morphine. It effectively helps to ensure that the medication is fully delivered into the bloodstream while also maintaining the integrity of the intravenous access.

Using saline also minimizes the risk of complications, such as interactions with other medications or solutions that might be present. While water could theoretically be used for flushing, it is not typically recommended in clinical practice because it may lead to hemolysis or other complications if there is any residual blood in the line.

Dextrose is not usually used for flushing in this context since it is a sugar solution and could potentially affect the medication’s efficacy or cause reactions in some patients.

In summary, using saline is the standard practice to flush after administering morphine, ensuring proper medication delivery and safety for the patient.