What is the purpose of flushing a central venous catheter with saline after medication administration?

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Flushing with saline after giving medications through a central venous catheter serves to keep the line open (patent) and to clear any medication left in the lumen. The saline push helps ensure the full prescribed dose is delivered into the bloodstream and prevents residual drug from staying in the catheter, which could lead to occlusion, drug interactions with future meds, or irritation if the line is used again soon. This step isn’t about delivering extra drug, treating infection, or cooling the solution.