Which of the following should be monitored closely in IV therapy?

Monitoring fluid balance is crucial in IV therapy because it directly impacts a patient's overall hydration status and electrolyte levels. IV therapy is often used to provide hydration, deliver medications, and replenish electrolytes to patients who may be unable to take them orally. Ensuring that the input from IV fluids matches the output through urine and other bodily functions helps prevent complications such as fluid overload or dehydration.

Additionally, monitoring fluid balance reflects the patient's response to therapy, aids in adjusting fluid administration rates, and helps in identifying early signs of potential complications such as heart failure or renal impairment. While skin temperature can be helpful to assess local complications at the IV site and sleep patterns and dietary intake are relevant for a holistic view of a patient's health, they do not directly relate to the immediate concerns associated with IV therapy management as fluid balance does.