Change a Hospital Gown for Patients with IV Line

Changing a gown sounds trivial until there is an IV line and a hanging bag involved. Do it wrong and you dislodge the line or interrupt the infusion. The trick is sequence, and keeping the fluid container above the infusion site the whole time.

Definition

You remove the soiled gown and replace it with a clean one while keeping the IV line secure and the fluid running without interruption.

Equipment

• Clean hospital gown
• Disposable gloves
• Top sheet or blanket
• Container for the soiled gown
• Hand sanitizer or soap and water

Procedure

1. Prepare the new gown (a unisex, one-size A-line gown) and keep it within reach, so there is no delay mid-change.
2. Explain the procedure and reassure the patient the IV line stays secure. This builds trust and cooperation.
3. Check the IV site and tubing are secure, with no dislodgement or leakage, before you start.
4. Untie the gown at the neck and back to free it without moving the IV line.
5. Remove the gown from the non-IV arm first, off the shoulder and arm. Doing the unaffected side first avoids pulling on the line.
6. Slide the other sleeve off the shoulder, over the arm, IV catheter, and tubing. Detach the fluid container from the stand and slide the gown over it, keeping the container above the infusion site at all times. This prevents dislodgement or kinking that would disrupt fluid or medication delivery.
7. Remove the gown under the top sheet and dispose of it in the container, which keeps stress off the IV line.
8. Recheck the IV line and tubing are intact and well positioned; adjust if needed.
9. Gown the IV arm first: put the sleeve over the fluid container, rehang the container, then slide the gown over the tubing and the arm with the catheter, and position it on the shoulder. Starting with the IV arm manages the tubing and reduces pull on the line.
10. Put the clean gown over the other arm and shoulder.
11. Tie or fasten the gown at the neck and back for coverage and comfort.
12. Verify the IV line is not kinked or pulled and is functioning correctly.
13. Make sure the patient is comfortable and the gown is not causing pressure.
14. Document the gown change and any observations in the chart.