What is a potential consequence of a site infection related to IV therapy?

A potential consequence of a site infection related to IV therapy is the risk of systemic infection. When an infection occurs at the IV site, pathogens can enter the bloodstream, leading to more widespread issues, including sepsis. This can compromise a patient’s overall health, necessitating prompt medical intervention to address the infection.

Infection at the IV site not only causes localized symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain, but it can also quickly escalate to a systemic level, affecting multiple organ systems. Therefore, vigilant monitoring for any signs of infection is crucial in patients undergoing IV therapy to mitigate this serious complication.