What should be your first action if an IV is sluggish and not running as ordered?

When encountering a sluggish IV that is not running as ordered, the first action should indeed be to identify possible causes for the sluggishness. This step is crucial because various factors can contribute to the issue, such as kinks in the tubing, a blocked catheter, insufficient vein patency, or empty fluid bags. By investigating these potential causes, you can determine the appropriate intervention to resolve the issue effectively.

Simply changing the IV fluid or increasing the flow rate without addressing the underlying issue may not solve the problem and could potentially exacerbate it. Notifying the physician may be necessary if the problem persists or if there is a concern for patient safety, but it is more efficient and clinically appropriate to first assess the situation yourself before escalating it.