Adult Health Exam 1 Related

Review Adult Health Exam 1 related questions and content

During a bed bath, the nurse observes that a client's IV site is red and swollen. What should the nurse do first?

  • A. Discontinue the IV under physician's guidance
  • B. Apply a warm compress to the site
  • C. Notify the physician
  • D. Document the appearance of the site and continue the bath
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct first action when a nurse observes a red and swollen IV site during a bed bath is to notify the physician. This is crucial because prompt reporting allows for immediate intervention to prevent further complications. Discontinuing the IV (Choice A) should only be done under the physician's guidance to avoid any adverse effects and ensure proper care. Applying a warm compress (Choice B) may not address the underlying issue and could potentially worsen the situation if the cause is an infection or infiltration. Documenting the site's appearance and continuing the bath (Choice D) without immediate action might delay necessary treatment, leading to potential complications.