How to Remove an IV Catheter (Discontinue Peripheral IV in Dorsum of Hand) Nursing Skill

Summary

In this instructional video, Sarah Register from Nursern.com demonstrates the proper technique for safely removing a peripheral IV. She guides viewers through the step-by-step process, emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene, gloves, and following hospital protocols. Key steps include carefully removing tape, stabilizing the IV, sliding out the cannula in one smooth motion, applying firm pressure to prevent bleeding, inspecting the cannula, disposing of materials safely, and securing the site with gauze and tape. Special attention is given to patients on anticoagulants. The video concludes with instructions for post-procedure hand hygiene and documentation, making it a practical resource for nursing professionals.

Takeaways

• 🧴 Always follow your hospital's protocols and the latest guidelines before performing any nursing skill.
• 🧤 Perform hand hygiene and wear gloves before beginning the procedure.
• 📝 Gather all necessary supplies first: gauze, tape, and gloves.
• ✂️ Remove all tape surrounding the IV carefully to avoid damaging the site or the cannula.
• ✋ Stabilize the IV while removing the cannula to prevent injury or discomfort.
• 💨 Remove the cannula in one smooth motion while holding gauze over the site.
• 🩹 Apply firm pressure for 2–3 minutes (or longer for patients on anticoagulants) to prevent bleeding and bruising.
• -
• 🗑️ Dispose of the IV cannula properly according to your facility's regulations.
• 👀 Inspect the cannula to ensure it is intact after removal.
• 📌 Secure the gauze with tape once bleeding has stopped to protect the site.
• 🧼 Remove gloves, perform hand hygiene, and document the IV removal in the patient's records.
• 📺 For more nursing skill demonstrations, additional resources can be found in the video description.

Q & A

What is the first step in removing a peripheral IV?

The first step is to ensure that you're following your hospital's protocols and guidelines for the procedure.

What supplies are needed to remove a peripheral IV?

You will need gauze, tape, and gloves to perform the procedure.

What should you do before you begin removing the IV?

Before starting, you should perform hand hygiene and put on gloves.

What is the correct way to remove the tape around the IV?

You should lightly tear the tape off, being careful not to damage the skin or the IV site.

Why is it important to stabilize the IV before removing it?

Stabilizing the IV is crucial to avoid pulling it out too forcefully, which could harm the patient.

How should the cannula be removed from the patient's vein?

The cannula should be removed in one smooth motion while holding pressure on the IV site.

How long should you hold pressure on the IV site after removal?

You should hold pressure on the site for about two to three minutes to prevent bleeding and bruising.

Why is it especially important to apply firm pressure for patients on anticoagulants?

Patients on anticoagulants are at a higher risk for bleeding, so firm pressure helps prevent blood from seeping under the skin and causing a bruise.

What should you do once the bleeding has stopped at the IV site?

Once the bleeding has stopped, you should tape the gauze over the site to keep it in place and ensure the area remains protected.

What is the final step after removing the IV?

The final step is to dispose of the materials properly, remove your gloves, perform hand hygiene again, and document the procedure.