Final answer:
To correctly gown a patient with an IV, the IV site should be left exposed. Use gowns with medical access features if available, and avoid disrupting the IV line while placing the gown on the patient.
Step-by-step explanation:
When placing a gown on a patient who has an IV, it is crucial to handle the situation with care to ensure that the IV line remains sterile, functional, and uninterrupted. The correct method to gown a patient with an IV is by leaving the IV site exposed, as covering the site risks contamination or inadvertently pulling at the IV line, which can cause discomfort or injury to the patient. To properly gown a patient with an IV:
- Assess the gown to determine if it has sleeves with snaps or openings designed specifically for medical access.
- If the gown is designed with such provisions, unsnap the sleeve or use the opening to gently move the gown over the patient's arm and IV line without disrupting the site.
- If the gown does not have these features, you may need to carefully slide the gown's sleeve over the patient's hand and forearm, taking care not to tug at the IV line or interfere with the IV site.
- Make sure the IV site remains uncovered and easily accessible for medical staff after the gown is in place.
Additionally, clinicians often prefer gowns that allow easy access to the IV site for monitoring and that can be removed quickly in the event of an emergency or for the purpose of certain medical procedures.