How often should IV sites be assessed during therapy?

The recommendation to assess IV sites every 1 to 2 hours aligns with best practices in intravenous therapy to ensure patient safety and efficacy of the treatment. Regular assessments in this timeframe allow healthcare providers to monitor for potential complications such as infiltration, phlebitis, and infection. By checking the IV site frequently, especially during the initial stages of therapy or in cases where the patient is at higher risk, healthcare professionals can identify any issues early on and take corrective actions as needed.

In some circumstances, such as after the administration of certain medications, assessing the IV site before the next medication can also be valuable, but it might not encompass the broader context of continuous monitoring necessary for maintaining IV access. Therefore, although checking before each medication administration is important, comprehensive regular assessments every 1 to 2 hours provide a more thorough approach to patient care during IV therapy.