ATI Capstone Fundamentals Assessment Proctored Related

Review ATI Capstone Fundamentals Assessment Proctored related questions and content

A nurse is assessing a client who reports a burning sensation at the site of a peripheral IV. The site is red and swollen. What is the nurse's priority action?

  • A. Apply a cold compress
  • B. Discontinue the IV line
  • C. Elevate the limb
  • D. Increase the IV flow rate
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the IV line. The client's symptoms of a burning sensation, redness, and swelling at the IV site indicate phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. The priority action in this situation is to remove the source of irritation, which is the IV line, to prevent further complications such as infection or thrombosis. Applying a cold compress may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue. Elevating the limb is not the priority in this case. Increasing the IV flow rate can worsen the phlebitis by causing further irritation to the vein.