Question

A primary health-care provider orders a patient's IV fluids to be discontinued. Which is an essential nursing intervention when discontinuing the patient's intravenous infusion?

1. Withdraw the intravenous catheter along the same angle of its insertion
2. Use an alcohol swab to scrub the insertion line
3. Flush the line with normal saline
4. Don sterile gloves

Answer 1

An essential nursing intervention when discontinuing IV fluids is to withdraw the catheter at the same angle of its insertion, along with following proper aseptic techniques.

Step-by-step explanation:

When discontinuing a patient’s intravenous (IV) fluids, one essential nursing intervention is to withdraw the intravenous catheter along the same angle of its insertion. This technique helps to minimize tissue damage and potential complications during the catheter removal process. A full protocol often includes additional steps, such as cleansing the area with an antiseptic or alcohol swab, applying pressure after catheter removal to prevent bleeding, and properly disposing of the catheter and other supplies. It is not necessary to flush the line with normal saline or don sterile gloves specifically for the act of discontinuing IV fluids, although adherence to aseptic techniques during the process is crucial to minimize infection risks.