How to Remove a Cannula That's Been Attached With a Transparent Dressing

According to the Royal College of Nursing, an uncomplicated peripheral intravenous cannula is usually removed and replaced with a new one at an alternate site every 72 to 96 hours to prevent infection or irritation of the vein. IV cannulas are also discontinued sooner if they show signs of complication, if they have become dislodged from the vein or if IV therapy is discontinued. The use of transparent dressings, such as Tegaderm™, has made maintenance and discontinuation of IVs easier. The site can be assessed for complications more easily through the transparent dressing. These dressings also do not bind strongly to the skin, allowing a gentle removal.

Things You'll Need

• Gloves
• 2 x 2 gauze
• Tape

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Instructions

• 1

  Explain the process to the patient or the patient's family, if applicable.

• 2

  Wash your hands, and put on gloves.

• 3

  Turn off the infusion pump or close the IV tubing.

• 4

  Loosen and remove the tape holding the IV tubing in place.

• 5

  Grasp one edge of the transparent dressing, and slowly peel it back from and off of the skin in the direction of hair growth. Hold the cannula in place with the thumb of your other hand.

• 6

  Place 2 x 2 gauze over the insertion site as you smoothly remove the cannula. Hold pressure for one minute.

• 7

  Lift the gauze briefly to confirm that bleeding has stopped. Secure the gauze in place with tape.