What action should be taken if there is a suspected catheter-related infection?

When a catheter-related infection is suspected, the most appropriate action is to notify a healthcare provider and remove the catheter. This is critical because the presence of an infection can potentially lead to serious complications such as sepsis or systemic infection if the catheter is left in place. Removing the catheter helps to eliminate the source of infection and allows for appropriate treatment to begin, such as administering antibiotics or providing further interventions as needed.

While continuing to use the IV line, changing the dressing, or switching to a different site may seem like possible responses, none of these address the root issue of the infection effectively. Continuing to use the IV line could worsen the infection. Changing the dressing might temporarily alleviate some concerns but does not resolve the underlying problem. Similarly, moving to a different IV site without addressing the infection could lead to reinfection or complications if the source is not dealt with properly. Ensuring patient safety by removing the catheter is the priority in this situation.