What should a nurse do if an IV site shows signs of infection?

What should a nurse do if an IV site shows signs of infection?

• A. Continue the infusion at a slower rate
• B. Notify the healthcare provider and remove the IV
• C. Re-dress the site with a sterile bandage
• D. Change the IV solution

Answer: (B)

If an IV site shows signs of infection, the appropriate action is to notify the healthcare provider and remove the IV. This is essential because an infection at the IV site can lead to more serious complications such as sepsis or systemic infection. Removing the IV prevents further introduction of bacteria into the bloodstream, which is critical for patient safety. By notifying the healthcare provider, the nurse ensures that the patient receives appropriate medical assessment and treatment, such as antibiotics if necessary. Moreover, removing the IV site also allows for the possibility to assess and address the infection accurately, potentially choosing a new site if intravenous therapy is still needed. Continuing the infusion, re-dressing the site without addressing the infection, or changing the IV solution does not effectively mitigate the risk of the infection spreading or worsening and could compromise patient safety.

If an IV site shows signs of infection, the appropriate action is to notify the healthcare provider and remove the IV. This is essential because an infection at the IV site can lead to more serious complications such as sepsis or systemic infection. Removing the IV prevents further introduction of bacteria into the bloodstream, which is critical for patient safety.

By notifying the healthcare provider, the nurse ensures that the patient receives appropriate medical assessment and treatment, such as antibiotics if necessary. Moreover, removing the IV site also allows for the possibility to assess and address the infection accurately, potentially choosing a new site if intravenous therapy is still needed.

Continuing the infusion, re-dressing the site without addressing the infection, or changing the IV solution does not effectively mitigate the risk of the infection spreading or worsening and could compromise patient safety.