ATI Exit Exam Practice Questions Related

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A nurse is planning care for a client who has a new prescription for a peripheral intravenous (IV) catheter. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent infection?

  • A. Shave the hair at the insertion site.
  • B. Cleanse the site with povidone-iodine.
  • C. Wear sterile gloves when changing the dressing.
  • D. Change the IV site every 48 to 72 hours.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct action to prevent infection when caring for a client with a new peripheral IV catheter is to change the IV site every 48 to 72 hours. Shaving the hair at the insertion site can actually increase the risk of infection by causing microabrasions in the skin. While cleansing the site with povidone-iodine is important before insertion, it is not necessary to continue doing so once the IV is in place. Wearing sterile gloves when changing the dressing is crucial for maintaining aseptic technique but does not directly prevent infection related to the IV site itself.