Catheter Maintenance, Monitoring & Removal

Proper catheter maintenance during the infusion period and correct removal technique are essential for patient safety and comfort. This module covers Bridge protocols for ongoing IV site monitoring, dressing management, and catheter discontinuation.

Site Assessment Protocol: Visually inspect and palpate the IV site every 2 hours during continuous infusion, or before each intermittent infusion. Assess for the five signs of complications: redness, swelling, tenderness, warmth, and streak formation (indicating phlebitis or infection). Document each assessment.

Dressing Management: Replace the transparent dressing if it becomes damp, loosened, or visibly soiled. Do not apply tape directly over the insertion site. Ensure the dressing maintains a secure, occlusive seal around the catheter entry point. The catheter hub should be stabilized to prevent pistoning (in-and-out movement).

Catheter Dwell Time: Per Bridge protocol, peripheral catheters in outpatient and wellness settings should be used for the duration of the infusion session only. Do not leave catheters in place between appointments. For extended infusion courses, establish a new peripheral site at each session.

Removal Procedure: Clamp or stop the infusion. Don clean gloves. Gently remove the transparent dressing by stabilizing the skin. Apply a sterile gauze pad over the site and withdraw the catheter in a smooth, steady motion parallel to the vein. Apply firm pressure for 2-3 minutes (longer for patients on anticoagulants). Apply a sterile adhesive bandage. Inspect the catheter tip to confirm it is intact.