What should be included in a regular assessment of an IV site?

Assessing for signs of irritation and complications at the IV site is crucial for ensuring patient safety and the effectiveness of therapy. Regular evaluations focus on identifying any redness, swelling, or tenderness around the IV insertion site, which can indicate inflammation or infection. Observing for complications such as infiltration, phlebitis, or thrombosis is essential to manage and prevent adverse outcomes. These assessments help healthcare professionals take appropriate actions to either maintain the IV access or remove and replace it if any issues arise.

The other options do not directly pertain to the routine assessments of an IV site. For example, palpitations are related to cardiac function rather than IV site integrity; measuring blood pressure at the IV site is not a standard practice and does not provide relevant information regarding the IV itself; and while monitoring fluid intake is important for overall patient management, it is not specific to the assessment of the IV site. Thus, focusing on signs of irritation and complications aligns directly with the critical responsibilities in IV therapy.