1. Central Line Removal
Competency Assessment for Registered Professional Nurses in the Critical Care Areas
References: AACN Procedure Manual for Critical Care, 5th Edition, pgs
Critical Care Nursing, A Holistic Approach; 9th ed; 2009, pages

2. General Considerations
CVCs are removed when therapy is completed, a mechanical malfunction has occurred, the catheter has become occluded or mal-positioned, or the patient has developed a central line associated blood stream infection (CLABSI).
The nurse must validate that the catheter has been removed intact.
Air embolism can occur during the removal of the catheter. The pathologic effects depend on the volume and rate of air aspirated.
Coagulation status and vital signs should be assessed prior to catheter removal.
MD order required for catheter removal. MD to culture catheter tip if required.

3. Expected Outcomes The catheter is removed intact.
Hemostasis is achieved at the catheter site.

4. Equipment Procedure and sterile gloves Face mask with fluid shield
Protective gown
Suture removal kit
Sterile 4X4 gauze pads
Betadine ointment
Occlusive central venous dressing
Sterile cup (if needed for specimen collection)

5. Procedure Steps 2. Open suture removal kit 3. Turn off infusion
1. Wash hands
2. Open suture removal
kit
3. Turn off infusion
4. Don PPE
Rationale
Special considerations:
If catheter tip to be cultured, follow procedure SP-I-8.0 “Collection of IV Catheter for Culture”. MD to culture.
Note: There is poor evidence to support a recommendation for or against use of this practice.

6. Procedure Steps Rationale Special considerations:
5. Place patient in slight Trendelenburg position and turn head away from catheter.
Rationale
Decreases the risk for air entry and reduces the transmission of microorganisms.
Special considerations:
Place the patient flat if Trendelenberg is contraindicated or not tolerated.

7. Procedure Steps Rationale:
6. Remove the dressing, wash hands, and don sterile gloves.
7. Carefully cut the sutures; ensure that the entire suture is removed.
Rationale:
Reduces the transmission of microorganisms.

8. Procedure Steps Rationale Special Considerations
8. Instruct the patient to take a deep breath and hold it (if removing IJ or subclavian catheters).
Rationale
8. Minimizes air being accidently drawn into the systemic venous circulation
Special Considerations
If mechanically ventilated, withdraw the catheter during the inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle.

9. Procedure
Steps
9. Remove the catheter
Grasp the catheter and withdraw in one continuous motion.
Quickly apply a drop of betadine ointment over the puncture site and cover immediately with a sterile 4X4 gauze.
Rationale
Withdrawing the catheter with a continuous motion decreases trauma to the vein.
The distal end of the catheter should be removed quickly because the proximal and medial openings could permit the entry of air. Application of ointment and gauze prevent air entry into the puncture site.

10. Procedure Rationale: Prevents bleeding and hematoma formation.
Steps:
10. Maintain pressure for a minimum of 5 minutes or until hemostasis is achieved.
Recheck site after 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and 120 minutes.
Rationale:
Prevents bleeding and hematoma formation.
Special considerations:
Longer periods of direct pressure may be needed to achieve hemostasis in patients receiving systemic heparin or thrombolytics or those who have acoagulopathy.

11. Procedure Steps Rationale
11. Apply an occlusive, sterile dressing over the site.
12. Inspect the catheter after it is removed.
13. Reposition the patient.
14. Discard supplies in appropriate waste containers, wash hands.
Rationale
Minimizes the risk for air entry and infection at the site and ensures that the entire catheter has been removed.

12. Documentation Patient and/or family education
Date and time of catheter removal
Site assessment
Inspection of catheter
Application of occlusive dressing
Patient tolerance of procedure
Unexpected outcomes and interventions

13. Management of Suspected Air Embolus
Signs and symptoms
Confusion
Lightheadedness
Anxiety
Unresponsiveness
Interventions
Call MD
Turn patient on left side in Trendelenburg position
Administer oxygen

14. Please return to the class page,
Click on the link to the quiz.