Discontinuing Treatment and Post-Access Care

Safe Discontinuation

Discontinuing treatment includes returning or managing blood in the extracorporeal circuit as allowed by policy, stopping the machine sequence correctly, removing needles or managing catheter connections within scope, and protecting the access. The exact steps are facility specific, but the safety priorities are consistent.

AV Fistula and Graft Priorities

• Verify the treatment is ready to end or that early termination has been ordered or approved.
• Keep lines and needles secure until the ordered rinseback or discontinuation process is complete.
• Remove needles using aseptic technique and facility procedure.
• Apply appropriate pressure without occluding the access completely unless directed for emergency bleeding.
• Check for hemostasis before dressing the site.
• Reassess for thrill or bruit according to policy and report abnormal findings.

Prolonged bleeding after needle removal can indicate anticoagulation effect, access problems, or other patient risk. Do not send a patient out with active bleeding or an unsecured dressing. Notify the RN or qualified staff if bleeding is excessive, recurrent, or difficult to control.

For central venous catheters, technicians must follow facility scope limits. Catheter connections have high infection and air risk, so asepsis and clamp safety matter. Any broken cap, loose connection, drainage, redness, fever, or catheter damage should be escalated.