In what scenario should a catheter be immediately removed?

A catheter should be immediately removed in the presence of severe infection or thrombosis because these conditions pose significant risks to the patient's health. Severe infection, often indicated by fever, redness, swelling, or purulent discharge at the catheter site, can lead to systemic complications such as sepsis if not addressed promptly. Similarly, thrombosis can result in serious complications, including embolism and loss of vascular access in patients requiring ongoing treatment.

Removing the catheter in such scenarios helps to prevent further progression of these potentially life-threatening conditions and allows for immediate medical intervention. Monitoring for these signs is crucial in a vascular access setting, as timely removal protects the patient and ensures that appropriate treatment can be initiated.

In other scenarios like routine maintenance or mild discomfort, the catheter may still be functional and safe to use with appropriate care. Slowed blood flow also may not indicate an immediate need for removal and could often be addressed through troubleshooting rather than extraction. Thus, the prompt removal of the catheter in cases of severe infection or thrombosis is critical for patient safety.