Final answer:
Identifying an IV site for an older adult client requires considering the fragility of their skin and potential for complications. The use of a checklist protocol is essential to ensure safety during the procedure. Careful site selection and vigilance for signs of infection are also critical in older patients.
Step-by-step explanation:
When identifying an IV site for an older adult client, it is important to consider the unique challenges this population may present. The skin of older adults is often less elastic, more fragile, and may be compromised due to factors like poor circulation or diabetes. Therefore, healthcare professionals must exhibit care when placing venous catheters, aiming to minimize the potential for infection or other complications.
Effective strategies to reduce the risk of bloodstream infections include using a checklist protocol during the insertion of central venous lines, as proposed by Dr. Pronovost. This verification process involves multiple steps to ensure patient safety, such as confirming the patient's identity and the procedure, making sure the surgical site is marked, and evaluating whether the patient has any known allergies. Nurses play a crucial role in this process, ensuring that all safety measures are adhered to.
In older patients, careful selection of the IV site is important, with preference often given to the larger, more proximal veins, such as those in the antecubital fossa. Additionally, healthcare providers should also be vigilant for signs of infection at the IV site, particularly since older adults are at a higher risk. Redness, warmth, and fever, as noted in Barbara's case, are critical signs that require immediate attention and appropriate treatment, including the application of antiseptics, a fresh dressing, and possibly antibiotics.