What should a nurse cleanse the IV site with before insertion?

What should a nurse cleanse the IV site with before insertion?

• A. Alcohol wipe
• B. Soap and water
• C. Saline solution
• D. Antibiotic ointment

Answer: (A)

Cleansing the IV site with an alcohol wipe is the recommended practice prior to insertion. Alcohol wipes are effective in reducing the microbial load on the skin because they evaporate quickly, allowing for rapid disinfection. The alcohol concentration typically found in wipes is sufficient to kill most bacteria and pathogens on the skin, which minimizes the risk of infection during catheter insertion. In contrast, soap and water, while cleansers in their own right, may not provide the immediate antiseptic effect as effectively as alcohol does, particularly in the context of rapid IV insertion. Saline solution is primarily intended for flushing IV lines and does not have disinfectant qualities, thus it cannot be used to cleanse the skin before an insertion. Antibiotic ointment, while beneficial in treatment for established infections, is not appropriate for pre-insertion cleansing, as it can create a barrier that might impede the sterilization process and doesn't effectively reduce the risk of infection at the time of catheter placement. Therefore, using an alcohol wipe is the most suitable method to prepare the skin before IV insertion, ensuring a sterile environment.

Cleansing the IV site with an alcohol wipe is the recommended practice prior to insertion. Alcohol wipes are effective in reducing the microbial load on the skin because they evaporate quickly, allowing for rapid disinfection. The alcohol concentration typically found in wipes is sufficient to kill most bacteria and pathogens on the skin, which minimizes the risk of infection during catheter insertion.

In contrast, soap and water, while cleansers in their own right, may not provide the immediate antiseptic effect as effectively as alcohol does, particularly in the context of rapid IV insertion. Saline solution is primarily intended for flushing IV lines and does not have disinfectant qualities, thus it cannot be used to cleanse the skin before an insertion. Antibiotic ointment, while beneficial in treatment for established infections, is not appropriate for pre-insertion cleansing, as it can create a barrier that might impede the sterilization process and doesn't effectively reduce the risk of infection at the time of catheter placement.

Therefore, using an alcohol wipe is the most suitable method to prepare the skin before IV insertion, ensuring a sterile environment.