What is a common nursing intervention for a patient with an intravenous (IV) line?

Regularly checking the IV site for patency and signs of infection is a fundamental nursing intervention that helps ensure patient safety and the efficacy of intravenous therapy. This practice helps to identify any complications early, such as infiltration, phlebitis, or infection, which can arise from an IV line that may not be functioning correctly or that could pose risk to the patient’s health.

Monitoring the site for patency ensures that the IV line remains open and that there is adequate flow of fluids or medications. Additionally, assessing for signs of infection—such as redness, swelling, or discharge—is vital in preventing systemic infections that can occur from contaminated IV lines.

While administering medications as prescribed and ensuring the appropriate temperature of IV fluid are also important nursing responsibilities, the routine assessment of the IV site specifically prevents complications associated with IV therapy. Changing the IV site every 12 hours does not align with standard practice unless specified by institutional policy and the patient's needs; IV sites are generally changed based on protocols that consider factors such as the type of infusion, site condition, and the patient's overall condition. Thus, regular inspection of the IV site stands out as a key intervention to promote patient safety and optimal care during IV therapy.