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

Transparent dressings allow monitoring of the IV site without disturbing the cannula.

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

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.

Tips & Warnings

• As suggested by 3M, remember to peel the transparent dressing back from the skin as opposed to pulling it up.

• In many cases, the cannula can be discontinued at the same time as the dressing is removed. Have the 2 x 2 gauze ready to be placed over the insertion site.

• Choose a gentle tape to hold the gauze in place. The area may be uncomfortable and the skin already irritated.

References

• "Royal College of Nursing.org"; Standards for Infusion Therapy; The RCN IV Therapy Forum; January 2010
• "Washington State Department of Health.gov"; Maintenance of Peripheral Intravenous Therapy for Emergency Medical Technicians; February 2000
• Academic Cuesta.edu; NRAD 201B; IV Therapy
• "3M.com"; 3M™ Tegaderm™ Transparent Dressing; Information for Patients with I.V. Catheters; 1998

Resources

• Catheter Management Education.com Website