Skill 53

Peripheral Intravenous Care

Dressing Care, Discontinuation

Short peripheral intravenous (IV) catheters require strict adherence to infection-prevention measures to avoid complications associated with these devices. Securely apply catheter dressings and change dressings when wet, soiled, or loosened. Change a transparent dressing during catheter site rotation of a short peripheral device. Change gauze dressings every 48 hours. When using gauze under a transparent dressing (although not recommended), it is considered a gauze dressing and should be changed every 48 hours (INS, 2011).

Discontinue a short peripheral intravenous (IV) catheter when the prescribed length of therapy is completed or a complication occurs (e.g., phlebitis, infiltration, or catheter occlusion). Care must also be taken because the risk of catheter emboli may occur if the catheter breaks during removal.

Delegation Considerations

The skill of changing a short peripheral IV dressing or of discontinuing a short peripheral intravenous line cannot be delegated to nursing assistive personnel (NAP). Delegation to licensed practical nurses (LPNs) varies by state Nurse Practice Act. The nurse instructs the NAP to:

▪ Report to the nurse if a patient complains of moistness or loosening of an IV dressing.

▪ Protect the IV dressing during hygiene and activities of daily living (ADLs).

▪ Report to the nurse any bleeding at the site after the catheter has been removed.

▪ Report any complaints by the patient of pain or observations of redness at the site.