What intervention must be done if a catheter breaks off during IV insertion?

If a catheter breaks off during IV insertion, it is crucial to keep the patient calm, avoid removing the broken catheter, and promptly notify a physician. This intervention is necessary because attempting to remove the broken piece might unintentionally push it further into the vascular system, increasing the risk of severe complications, such as embolism.

Maintaining calmness in the patient is also vital, as distress can lead to further movement and potential complications. By notifying a physician, the healthcare team can assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action, which may include imaging to locate the fragment and further interventions to safely retrieve it. This response prioritizes patient safety and proper medical protocol in handling such an urgent situation.

The other options are not suitable because they either involve unnecessarily removing the catheter, which could escalate the hazard, or suggest methods, like suctioning or applying warm compresses, that do not directly address the critical issue of a broken catheter fragment in a patient’s vascular system.