How long should direct pressure be applied to the artery after removing an arterial catheter?

Applying direct pressure to the artery after removing an arterial catheter is crucial for ensuring hemostasis and preventing excessive bleeding. The prevailing guidelines suggest that direct pressure should typically be maintained for an adequate duration to allow for clot formation at the catheter site.

The recommended time frame is 8-10 minutes. This duration is long enough to ensure that the pressure is effectively applied to facilitate the closure of the artery and diminish the risk of hematoma formation or arterial bleeding, which can occur if bleeding is not adequately controlled.

This practice is based on clinical protocols that balance the need for immediate control of bleeding with physiological considerations related to vascular healing. Thus, maintaining direct pressure for 8-10 minutes strikes an effective balance between ensuring safety and minimizing complications post catheter removal.