Question

A nurse is discontinuing an IV infusion. For which of the following reasons is it important to verify and document the integrity and condition of the IV catheter?

1) To ensure the patient's safety
2) To prevent infection
3) To assess the effectiveness of the infusion
4) To monitor for any complications

Answer 1

Verifying and documenting the IV catheter's integrity is important to ensure patient safety, prevent infection, assess the infusion's effectiveness, and monitor for complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse is discontinuing an IV infusion, it is critical to verify and document the integrity and condition of the IV catheter for several reasons. Firstly, to ensure the patient's safety, confirming that the entire catheter has been removed prevents any part being inadvertently left in the patient, which can lead to complications. Secondly, verifying the catheter integrity helps to prevent infection. An intact catheter suggests that the system remained closed and aseptic techniques were maintained, thereby reducing the risk of introducing pathogens into the IV site. Thirdly, documentation assists in assessing the effectiveness of the infusion and ensuring that the medication or fluids were delivered properly. Lastly, it is an important step to monitor for any complications, such as signs of phlebitis, infiltration, or an allergic reaction, which could manifest in the condition of the catheter upon removal.