What happens if an IV is ripped out?

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 70% of hospitalized patients in the U.S. receive IV therapy, and accidental removal, or ripping an IV out, is a recognized complication. If this occurs, it is critical to understand the immediate risks and proper first aid to minimize potential harm, from simple bleeding to more serious complications.

Quick Summary

Accidental removal of an IV can cause immediate bleeding, pain, and discomfort at the insertion site. Potential complications include infiltration, infection, or, in rare cases, an air embolism. Immediate action involves applying pressure to the site and seeking medical assistance.

Key Points

Immediate Pressure: Apply firm, direct pressure to the insertion site with a clean gauze for 2-5 minutes to stop bleeding.
Elevate the Limb: Elevate the arm or hand above heart level to help minimize bleeding and swelling.
Recognize Complications: Be aware of potential issues like infiltration (fluid leaking into tissue), infection (redness, pus), and hematoma (bruising).
Monitor for Infection: Watch for signs of infection such as fever, worsening redness, or swelling at the site and report them immediately.
Seek Professional Help: Always inform a healthcare provider of the incident so the site can be properly assessed and a new IV placed if necessary.
Rare but Severe Risks: Understand that rare complications like air embolism or severe extravasation require immediate emergency attention.

Accidental dislodgement of an intravenous (IV) catheter is a common concern in healthcare settings, and knowing what to do if an IV is ripped out is crucial for patient safety. While the sight can be alarming, especially with immediate bleeding, understanding the potential consequences and correct response can prevent further complications. This guide covers the immediate aftermath, potential complications, and what to do next.

Immediate Effects and First Aid

When an IV is accidentally pulled out, the first and most obvious effect is bleeding from the puncture wound. This occurs because the flexible catheter, or cannula, creates a temporary opening in the vein. The size of the catheter and the patient's clotting ability will determine the extent of the bleeding.

Immediate Actions:

Stay calm: Panicking can increase heart rate and blood flow, potentially worsening bleeding.
Apply firm, direct pressure: Use a clean gauze pad, tissue, or cotton ball to press down on the site where the IV was inserted. This is the most effective way to stop the bleeding.
Hold for at least 2 to 5 minutes: Do not peek to see if the bleeding has stopped. Maintain continuous pressure for the recommended duration.
Elevate the limb: If possible, elevate the arm or hand above the level of the heart to help reduce blood flow to the area.
Secure with a bandage: Once the bleeding has stopped, place an adhesive bandage or fresh gauze over the site.
Notify a healthcare professional: Inform a nurse or doctor immediately. They will need to assess the site for proper healing and may need to insert a new IV if treatment is still required.

Potential Complications of Ripped-out IVs

While many incidents of accidental IV removal are minor, several complications can arise, especially if the line was infusing medication or fluids.

Infiltration and Extravasation

Infiltration: This happens if the IV dislodges but remains partially in the tissue, causing the fluid to leak into the surrounding subcutaneous tissue instead of the vein. Symptoms include swelling, coolness, and skin blanching around the site.
Extravasation: A more severe form of infiltration, extravasation occurs when the leaked fluid is a vesicant or irritating medication that can cause tissue damage, blistering, or even necrosis.

Infection

Local Infection: The catheter insertion site is a potential entry point for bacteria. If not cleaned properly after removal or if the site was already contaminated, a local infection can develop. Signs include redness, warmth, increased pain, and pus at the site.
Bloodstream Infection (Sepsis): In rare and severe cases, a local infection can spread into the bloodstream, leading to sepsis. Symptoms include fever, chills, and confusion.

Air Embolism

Air Embolism: This is an extremely rare but potentially fatal complication where a large air bubble enters the vein. It is most likely to happen with central lines but is a risk with any open IV connection. Symptoms include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and changes in blood pressure.

Hematoma and Phlebitis

Hematoma: This is a bruise that occurs when blood leaks from the vein into the surrounding tissue. It typically resolves on its own but can be uncomfortable.
Phlebitis: Inflammation of the vein, often caused by mechanical irritation from the catheter or the chemical properties of the infused medication. Phlebitis can lead to thrombophlebitis, or inflammation with a blood clot, and can cause pain, tenderness, and redness along the vein.

Comparison of IV Complications


Complication	Cause	Symptoms	Required Action
Bleeding	Catheter removed, leaving a hole in the vein.	Blood trickling or gushing from the site.	Apply firm pressure for 2-5 minutes; elevate limb.
Infiltration	Fluid leaks into surrounding tissue from a displaced catheter.	Swelling, coolness, and paleness around the site.	Remove IV, elevate limb, apply compresses.
Extravasation	Vesicant fluid leaks into surrounding tissue.	Pain, blistering, tissue damage; similar to infiltration.	Stop infusion, remove IV, follow specific antidote protocol.
Local Infection	Bacteria enters the puncture site.	Redness, warmth, swelling, pus, and increased pain.	Remove IV, clean site, and administer antibiotics if needed.
Hematoma	Blood leaks from the vein into the tissue.	Bruising and swelling at the insertion site.	Apply pressure and cold packs to reduce swelling.

The Healing Process and Recovery

After the immediate bleeding has been controlled, the site will begin to heal. Most people will experience some minor bruising and tenderness for a few days, which is normal. Keeping the area clean and dry is important to prevent infection. If bruising is extensive, elevating the limb and applying cold compresses can help. A healthcare professional should follow up to ensure there are no signs of infection or other serious issues.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Help

While most cases of accidental IV removal can be managed with simple first aid, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. These include:

Bleeding that does not stop after 5 minutes of continuous, firm pressure.
Fever or chills, which could indicate a systemic infection.
Significant swelling, redness, or extreme pain at the site that worsens over time.
Signs of an air embolism, such as sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or confusion.
Severe blistering, peeling, or a darkening of the skin, which suggests extravasation and tissue damage.

Conclusion

Understanding what happens if an IV is ripped out is key to a calm and effective response. The primary steps are to control bleeding by applying direct pressure and to elevate the affected limb. Following these actions with prompt notification of a healthcare provider is essential for assessing the situation and managing potential complications. While most cases result in minor bruising, vigilance for signs of more serious issues like infection or extravasation ensures patient safety and optimal recovery. Proper follow-up and site care are vital components of the healing process.

For more information on the management of IV therapy complications, a valuable resource can be found at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website.

Frequently Asked Questions

You will likely experience some bleeding, but it is usually manageable. The amount of bleeding depends on the size of the catheter and how well your blood clots. Applying firm, direct pressure for 2-5 minutes should stop it.

Infiltration is when IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue instead of the vein. Symptoms include swelling, coolness, and paleness. While often not serious, it requires stopping the infusion and can cause tissue damage if a vesicant medication was involved.

Signs of a local infection at the IV site include increased pain, redness, swelling, warmth, and pus. Systemic infection (sepsis) can cause fever and chills and requires immediate medical attention.

While extremely rare with modern peripheral IV catheters, it is possible for a piece of the flexible plastic cannula to break off. If this happens, it is a medical emergency that requires prompt assessment and retrieval.

If an IV is removed at home, apply firm pressure to the site for at least 5 minutes to stop any bleeding. Once stopped, cover the area with a clean bandage and contact your healthcare provider or home care nurse for further instructions.

An air embolism is an extremely rare and potentially life-threatening complication, especially with peripheral IVs. It occurs when a large amount of air enters the vein. Signs include shortness of breath, chest pain, and confusion, and require immediate emergency care.

Mild bruising, or a hematoma, is common after an IV is removed. It's caused by blood leaking from the vein into the surrounding tissue. You can apply a cold compress to the area to help reduce swelling and discomfort.

You should keep the bandage on for at least 30 to 60 minutes after the IV is removed to ensure the puncture site has time to close and stop any residual bleeding. Avoid touching or scratching the site.