Pre‐procedure

ActionRationale

1. 1.Show
   Introduce yourself to the patient, explain and discuss the procedure with them, and gain their consent to proceed.
   To ensure that the patient feels at ease, understands the procedure and gives their valid consent (NMC [356], C).
2. 2.Show
   Ask the patient to lay supine if possible.
   To reduce the risk of air embolism (Scales [400], E).

Procedure

1. 3.Show
   Wash hands with soap and water, or an alcohol‐based handrub, and dry. Gather the equipment required. Apply apron and clean gloves.
   To minimize the risk of infection (DH [117], C; Fraise and Bradley [156], E).
2. 4.Show
   Remove the transparent dressing and gently remove adhesive securing devices and/or sterile tapes as necessary.
   To prepare for catheter removal. E
3. 5.Show
   Apply sterile gloves and clean the insertion site. If there is a SecurAcath in situ, remove the top of the device.
   To prevent contamination of the site. E

   To facilitate the removal of the catheter. E
4. 6.Show
   Using a steady and constant motion, gently pull the catheter until it has been completely removed from the exit site.
   To remove the catheter and prevent vein damage. E
5. 7.Show
   Apply pressure with a finger (digital pressure) on a gauze square over the exit site for about 2–3 minutes or until the bleeding stops.
   To minimize blood loss and bruising. E
6. 8.Show
   Cut down the centre of the SecurAcath and remove the device (Action figure 8).
   To facilitate the removal of the device. E
7. 9.Show
   Apply an occlusive dressing.
   To provide protection of the entry site. E

Post‐procedure

1. 10.Show
   Check the markings on the length removed and ensure they show that the same length has been removed as the length that was inserted.
   To ensure that the whole catheter has been removed (RCN [381], C).
2. 11.Show
   If the catheter has been removed because of infection, carefully cut off the tip (approximately 5 cm) of the catheter using sterile scissors and place it in a sterile container for microbiological investigation.
   To detect any infection related to the catheter and thus provide necessary treatment (DH [117], C).
3. 12.Show
   Remove gloves and dispose of waste.
   To ensure safe disposal in the correct containers and avoid laceration or injury of other staff. To prevent reuse of equipment (NHS Employers [346], [347], C).
4. 13.Show
   Document the length of the catheter removed and the reason for removal in the patient's care plan, as well as any problems or complications.
   To ensure adequate records are maintained and to enable continued care of the patient and device (DH [118], C; NMC [356], C).