Final answer:
The best choice for preparing the client's skin at the insertion site before initiating IV therapy is chlorhexidine gluconate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best choice for preparing the client's skin at the insertion site before initiating IV therapy is chlorhexidine gluconate. Chlorhexidine gluconate is an antiseptic solution that effectively kills a wide range of microorganisms on the skin and reduces the risk of infection. It is commonly used for preoperative skin preparation and IV site disinfection.
Other commonly used alternatives include povidone-iodine and isopropyl alcohol. Povidone-iodine is a broad-spectrum antiseptic with strong germicidal activity. Isopropyl alcohol is an effective disinfectant that quickly kills many types of germs on the skin.