How should a nurse respond to a patient who reports pain during an IV infusion?

How should a nurse respond to a patient who reports pain during an IV infusion?

• A. Increase the rate of infusion
• B. Stop the infusion and assess the IV site
• C. Ignore the complaint and continue monitoring
• D. Change the IV solution

Answer: (B)

When a patient reports pain during an IV infusion, the appropriate response is to stop the infusion and assess the IV site. This is crucial because pain can be indicative of various complications such as infiltration, phlebitis, or even an allergic reaction to the infusing solution. Assessing the IV site allows the nurse to determine the cause of the pain—whether the catheter has moved out of the vein, whether there is swelling, redness, or warmth, or if the patient is experiencing any other signs of distress. Stopping the infusion is necessary to prevent further complications and to ensure the patient's comfort and safety. Once the assessment is complete, the nurse can take the appropriate actions, whether that involves relocating the IV site or addressing any complications noted. This approach prioritizes patient care and safety, allowing for timely intervention.

When a patient reports pain during an IV infusion, the appropriate response is to stop the infusion and assess the IV site. This is crucial because pain can be indicative of various complications such as infiltration, phlebitis, or even an allergic reaction to the infusing solution. Assessing the IV site allows the nurse to determine the cause of the pain—whether the catheter has moved out of the vein, whether there is swelling, redness, or warmth, or if the patient is experiencing any other signs of distress.

Stopping the infusion is necessary to prevent further complications and to ensure the patient's comfort and safety. Once the assessment is complete, the nurse can take the appropriate actions, whether that involves relocating the IV site or addressing any complications noted. This approach prioritizes patient care and safety, allowing for timely intervention.