When discontinuing an IV infusion, what is the most important safety step?

• A. Apply pressure to the site to prevent bleeding.
• B. Remove the catheter while the infusion is still running.
• C. Immediately cap the IV tubing.
• D. Discontinue the infusion and leave the needle in place.

Answer: (A)

The key safety idea is to stop bleeding at the insertion site as soon as the IV is discontinued. Applying firm pressure to the site after removing the cannula seals the vessel, prevents a bleed or hematoma, and reduces the risk of infection at the puncture site.

In practice, you would first stop the infusion and remove the catheter, then place clean gauze over the insertion site and apply direct pressure for several minutes, longer if the patient has a bleeding risk. Once bleeding has stopped, you’d cover with a small bandage and monitor the area for any ongoing bleeding, swelling, or signs of infiltration.

Why the other actions aren’t the primary safety step: removing the catheter while the infusion is still running can cause backflow and bleeding and should not be done. Simply capping the tubing doesn’t address stopping bleeding at the site. Leaving the needle in place maintains a puncture and increases infection risk, so it isn’t appropriate.