Which of the following can be a potential complication of IV therapy?

Infection at the insertion site is a well-known potential complication of IV therapy. When an intravenous catheter is placed, it creates an opportunity for bacteria to enter the bloodstream or the surrounding tissue. This risk underscores the importance of using aseptic techniques during the insertion and maintenance of IV lines. Proper hand hygiene, skin preparation, and regular monitoring for signs of infection are critical practices that help minimize this risk. If an infection occurs, symptoms may include redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge at the site, and systemic symptoms could develop if the infection spreads.

Other options, while they may be related to IV therapy in some contexts, do not directly represent complications stemming from the IV insertion or maintenance itself. For instance, dehydration can be a concern but is more frequently a result of inadequate fluid intake rather than a complication from IV therapy. Similarly, hypoglycemia, while it may occur in patients receiving IV fluids with glucose, typically relates more to insulin management than to the act of administering IV fluids. Excessive fluid retention is a condition that may arise from the volume of fluids administered; however, it is more about monitoring patients' overall fluid balance than a direct complication of IV insertion.