Final answer:
Health care personnel should apply pressure to the IV site with a sterile 2x2 gauze after catheter withdrawal to prevent bleeding and promote clotting. Other options are not recommended for this purpose.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct option : d
When health care personnel are instructed to discontinue an IV catheter, they should withdraw the catheter and then apply pressure to the site with a sterile 2x2 gauze. This is the correct procedure to prevent bleeding and to promote clotting at the puncture site where the catheter was placed. Using a band-aid is not adequate as it does not apply sufficient pressure, an alcohol swab would be used for disinfecting but not for applying pressure, and betadine swab is used as a skin antiseptic prior to catheter insertion, not for pressure application after catheter removal.
The sterile 2x2 gauze pad is held in place for a few minutes until the risk of bleeding diminishes. It's important to monitor for signs of continued bleeding or oozing, and in some cases, a small bandage may be applied over the gauze to maintain cleanliness and protection of the area once hemostasis has been achieved. This practice helps minimize the risk of infection and enhances the healing process of the IV site.