Intravenous (IV) therapy delivers fluids, medications, or blood products directly into a vein through a small, flexible catheter. When treatment is complete or the IV site shows complications, the catheter must be safely removed to prevent infection or injury. The discontinuation of an IV line and removal of the catheter should be performed only by trained healthcare professionals. This information is provided for educational purposes to help patients and caregivers understand this routine aspect of patient care.
Essential Preparations and Safety Precautions
Before touching the IV line, the healthcare provider confirms the order to discontinue the infusion. The provider performs hand hygiene and dons clean gloves to maintain an aseptic environment and reduce the risk of infection at the insertion site. Necessary supplies, including sterile gauze, adhesive tape, or a small adhesive bandage, are gathered and placed within easy reach.
Patient communication is an important preliminary step, involving an explanation of the procedure to minimize anxiety and secure cooperation. The patient’s limb should be positioned comfortably and securely, often resting on a flat surface, to ensure the vein remains stable. The provider must locate the roller clamp or slide clamp on the IV tubing and close it completely to stop the flow of fluid or medication before removal. This prevents the accidental infusion of air into the vein.
Step-by-Step IV Discontinuation Process
The process begins by carefully loosening the transparent dressing and any tape securing the catheter hub, peeling them back toward the insertion site to minimize skin trauma. The provider stabilizes the skin near the insertion site with the non-dominant hand while peeling the adhesive with the dominant hand. Once the dressing is mostly removed, a piece of sterile gauze is placed gently but firmly over the vein just above the insertion point.
With the gauze in position, the catheter is removed with a single, smooth, and steady motion, pulling it out parallel to the skin’s surface and following the path of the vein. The catheter should slide out easily; if resistance is met, the procedure must be paused immediately. After withdrawal, immediate, firm pressure is applied directly onto the insertion site with the sterile gauze to promote hemostasis. This pressure is maintained for at least two to three minutes to allow the puncture site to seal.
If the patient is taking anticoagulant medications, the required pressure time is extended, sometimes to five or ten minutes. This accounts for the altered clotting mechanism and helps prevent a hematoma. After the bleeding has completely stopped, the removed catheter is visually inspected to confirm that the tip is fully intact. The used catheter and materials are then safely disposed of according to biohazard protocols.
Post-Removal Care and Monitoring
Once hemostasis is confirmed and the site is no longer actively bleeding, the gauze is removed, and a new dressing or adhesive bandage is applied to protect the puncture wound from external contamination. The patient is advised to keep this dressing clean and dry for at least 24 hours to support initial tissue healing. Caregivers and patients must monitor the site over the next 48 hours for any signs of complications.
The area should be checked for excessive bleeding, swelling, or the formation of a hematoma. The patient should also observe for indicators of phlebitis, which presents as redness, warmth, pain, or a palpable cord-like structure along the vein path. Any signs of localized infection, such as purulent drainage or increasing tenderness at the site, warrant immediate reporting to a healthcare provider.