What key information should be documented during the initial insertion of an IV catheter?

Documenting the date and time of catheter insertion is a crucial part of IV therapy practice for several reasons. It establishes a timeline for the patient's treatment, which is essential for monitoring the duration of IV therapy. This information helps healthcare professionals track how long the catheter has been in place, which is important for recognizing the risk of complications such as infection or thrombosis. Additionally, having an accurate record of when the IV was inserted ensures proper scheduling for assessments and potential replacement of the IV catheter if necessary. This documentation is also critical for legal and clinical accountability in patient care.

In contrast, while knowing the patient's blood type may be important for transfusions, it is not relevant to the initial insertion documentation of a peripheral IV. The name of IV solution is pertinent for ongoing infusion documentation but does not need to be included at the point of insertion, as it may be subject to change. Lastly, the patient's height and weight are not typically required for documenting the insertion of an IV catheter; they may be relevant for medication dosing or fluid volume calculations but are not linked directly to the catheter itself.