An intravenous (IV) insertion site begins to leak. The tape over the site is wet. What should the nurse do first?
a. Call the physician to report the problem.
b. Remove the dressing from the IV site, and observe the insertion site.
c. Slowly increase the speed of the IV drip, and watch the site carefully for increased leaking of IV solution.
d. Reduce the IV flow rate.
ANS: B
A site can leak for many reasons, so the first nursing action is to further assess for cause. A and D might be indicated based on the assessment findings but would not be the first action. The nurse would never speed the IV drip without a physician order.
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