A patient on an anticoagulant is going home and needs his peripheral intravenous (IV)line removed.Which action is essential for the nurse to take?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient taking an anticoagulant has a longer bleeding time; thus the nurse applies pressure to the puncture site for 5 to 10 minutes to minimize blood loss and prevent hematoma formation.The nurse removes the catheter slowly to avoid patient injury or damage to the catheter.He or she applies clean gloves because the dressing and catheter are contaminated.Checking the most recent coagulation is helpful,but,regardless of the results,extra pressure should be applied over the insertion site after removal for 5 to 10 minutes.

A Patient on an Anticoagulant Is Going Home and Needs