Discontinuing a Peripheral IV

Discontinuing a Peripheral IV

Equipment
■ Clean nonsterile gloves, sterile 2 in. 2 in. gauze dressings.
■ 1-in. tape or transparent semipermeable dressing.
■ Linen-saver pad.

Assessment
■ Verify the order and assess the patient’s readiness to have the IV fluid discontinued (e.g., tolerating oral fluids, has adequate urine output, laboratory values are within normal limits). Post-Procedure Reassessment
■ Assess the integrity of the removed catheter; compare the length to the original insertion length to ensure the entire catheter is removed.
■ Be Smart! If a catheter defect is noted, report to the manufacturer and regulatory agencies and complete an incident report according to agency policy.
■ Monitor the patient’s response to oral fluids after IV therapy is discontinued. Note changes in the patient’s condition that might indicate the need to re-establish IV therapy.

Key Points
■ Be Smart! Place a linen-saver pad under the extremity with the IV catheter to prevent soiling patient’s clothing or bed linen.
■ Don clean nonsterile gloves, and close the roller clamp on the administration set.
■ Carefully remove the IV dressing, catheter stabilizer, and tape securing the tubing.
■ Scrub the catheter-skin junction with an antiseptic pad.
■ Place a sterile 2 in. 2 in. gauze pad above the IV insertion site and gently remove the catheter. Do not press on the gauze pad while removing the catheter.
■ Be Safe! Apply firm pressure with the gauze pad over the insertion site. Hold pressure for 1 to 3 minutes; hold longer if bleeding persists.
■ Apply a folded sterile 2 in. 2 in. gauze pad. Secure it with tape.

Documentation
■ You will usually record this procedure on a flowsheet or in the electronic patient record.
■ Chart the date and time IV therapy was discontinued.
■ Note the condition of the site, including the presence of any complications.
■ If complications are present, document your interventions and notify the primary care provider.

Do not press on the pad while removing the catheter