A nurse is flushing a client's intermittent infusion device. The client states, “Why do you have to do that if you are not giving me medicine?” Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

A. “This clears blood from the tubing and the catheter.” Flushing the intermittent infusion device with normal saline clears blood and medication residues from the tubing and catheter, preventing occlusion and maintaining patency for future medication administration. B. “This makes sure it stays sterile.” Flushing maintains patency, not sterility. Sterility is ensured by aseptic technique, not by flushing. C. “This helps to keep you hydrated.” The volume used to flush the line (usually 2–5 mL) is too small to provide hydration. D. “This prevents leakage of fluid and medication.” Leakage is prevented by secure connections, not by flushing.