What substance is commonly used to flush the venous line during treatment?

The substance commonly used to flush the venous line during treatment is heparin or saline. Heparin is an anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting in the venous access line, ensuring that the line remains patent for the duration of the dialysis treatment. This is crucial as it helps maintain the flow of blood during the procedure. Saline, on the other hand, is isotonic and is used to clear the line of blood after treatment, preventing any stagnant blood from clotting within the line.

Using a combination of heparin and saline helps to optimize the functionality of the venous line, as heparin keeps the blood cells from clumping together while saline flushes any residual blood. These practices are important for maintaining efficient and safe dialysis procedures.

Other substances listed, such as pure water and anticoagulants only, do not adequately serve this dual purpose. Pure water lacks the necessary isotonic properties and is not appropriate in this medical context. Options that refer to anticoagulants alone also overlook the necessity of a flushing agent like saline, which is essential for effective line management during treatment.