The nurse assesses the patient's intravenous (IV) insertion site and notes that it is warm, red, and tender. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
a. Slow the infusion rate.
b. Discontinue the IV infusion.
c. Apply cool compresses.
d. Apply warm compresses.
B
The nurse must discontinue the IV infusion with a warm, red, and tender appearance because these clinical indicators are consistent with an infection. The nurse also discontinues the IV infu-sion to decrease the risk of sepsis, tissue loss, and a thromboembolic event. If the site is infected, slowing the infusion rate is unlikely to help. Cool compress application is an improper therapy for the problem. The nurse applies a warm compress after discontinuing the IV line from the in-flamed tissue.
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