Check the physician's order to see if the IV site is to be discontinued or if the site needs to be changed to an intermittent device.
Clamp the IV tubing
Undo the tape (if a bio-occlusive dressing is used, stretching the dressing will help release it from the patient's skin) by peeling the tape toward the IV site
Loosely hold a sterile cotton ball or dressing on the IV site
Withdraw the IV cannula, immediately put pressure on the site, and if possible raise the arm so that IV site is above the level of the heart
Hold pressure until the bleeding has stopped (this may be several minutes if the patient is receiving anticoagulant therapy)
