Removing an intravenous line

Definitions & Key takeaways

Removing an intravenous (IV) line involves several steps to ensure that the procedure is done safely and comfortably for the patient. As a healthcare provider, you need to know steps involved to remove an IV line safely: Gather the necessary equipment including clean gloves, a sterile dressing, and a bandage. Wash your hands and explain the process to the patient, and ask if they have any questions or concerns. Turn the roller clamp to the off position, so that any flowing perfusion may stop. Clean the area around the IV line with an antiseptic solution to clean the skin around the IV line to reduce the risk of infection. Remove the IV line by holding it at the insertion site with one hand, while using the other hand to gently pull the catheter out of the vein. Once the IV line is removed, apply gentle pressure to the insertion site with a sterile dressing to help stop any bleeding. Cover the insertion site with a bandage to keep the area clean and prevent infection. Observe the patient for any signs of bleeding, infection, or other complications, and report any concerns to the healthcare provider.

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Hello. Today we'll talk about how to remove an intravenous catheter.
Normally you do everything on this list, but to keep things concise, we'll focus on the steps in blue and we'll also include a summary as with any procedure.
Don't forget to wash your hands. Introduce yourself to the client, explain the procedure and receive consent.
If you have any IV fluids running start by setting the roller clamp on the tubing to the off position, hold the catheter in place with one hand while you remove and discard the dressing and any tape with the other.
If the adhesive is difficult to remove or the patient is sensitive to pain, use adhesive remover. Next, fold up a piece of sterile gauze and hold it over the site of insertion.
Then gently pull out the catheter, leaving the hub low and horizontal. Hold the gauze over the site of insertion for at least 30 seconds or until the bleeding stops before you discard the catheter.
Check the tip of the catheter is intact. If any part of the catheter is missing, it is likely still in the vein.
While extremely rare, this would be a medical emergency. And the health care team would need to know immediately.
Also check the insertion site for any signs of complications such as redness or swelling, swollen IV sites that have gone interstitial benefit from a moist, warm compress covering the insertion site.
Finally tape the sterile gauze to the insertion site. Here's a quick summary.
If IV fluids are running, turn the roller clamp to the off position, remove the dressing and tape gently, remove the catheter, hold the gauze over the insertion site and inspect the catheter to make sure it's intact.