The dressing must not be touched but should be observed regularly for signs of bleeding. All Luer‐Lok connections should be checked to prevent exsanguination, air embolism or disconnection under pressure. Any bleeding should be reported immediately to the medical staff, including the radiologist (Allwood et al. [4]).

The catheter must be clamped securely or switched off, closing the tap in situ before any equipment changes. A positive pressure greater than arterial pressure must always be maintained. When chemotherapy is not being infused, the flushing solution must be used to maintain patency. This should be via a syringe or syringe pump during transfer between wards or departments, or via a syringe pump or infusion pump in the ward (when a nurse escort may be necessary). It should be delivered at the minimum rate sufficient to combat arterial pressure and maintain patency, approximately 3–5 mL per hour or 10 drops per minute, depending on the device used. If a specialist delivery system is used, the manufacturer's instructions should be followed.

The position of the catheter may be checked daily by X‐ray; this will be performed on the ward. Fluoroscopy and instillation of dye are other methods of confirming position. At the end of treatment, the patency of the arterial catheter should be maintained using an appropriate flushing solution until a decision has been made about removal. Instructions for this and the amount of heparin to be used should be prescribed in advance to enable the nurse to initiate the procedure when appropriate. Before removal, the tap may be switched off and the catheter allowed to clot. The catheter should be removed by a doctor and firm pressure applied for at least 5 minutes or until all bleeding has ceased. A dressing should be applied to the site. Pressure dressings are not indicated if bleeding has ceased as they can obscure the formation of a haematoma.

The patient must be instructed on how often they can move and mobilize. This may vary depending on the site of the catheter. Assistance may be needed to maintain personal hygiene and relieve pressure to prevent the development of pressure ulcers on all points of contact.