During an assessment of a patient's IV infusion, the nurse observes it infusing slowly. What is the first action the nurse should take?

In the scenario where a nurse observes that the IV infusion is infusing slowly, the most appropriate first action is to check the position of the IV fluid and the extremity. This step is crucial because slow infusion rates can often be attributed to mechanical issues such as occlusion, kinking of the IV tubing, or improper positioning of the IV site.

By assessing the position of the IV site and the extremity, the nurse can quickly identify any external factors that may be causing the slowed infusion, such as the arm being bent or resting on the IV line, which can obstruct the flow of the fluid. This assessment is a vital first step before making any changes to the IV setup or notifying other healthcare providers, as it addresses potential issues at the source.

Taking this action first is also key to ensuring patient safety and maintaining the integrity of the IV therapy. If the nurse were to immediately change the IV bag, notify the physician, or increase the infusion rate without first determining the specific cause of the slow infusion, it could lead to unnecessary interventions or complications. Therefore, checking the position of the IV fluid and extremity is always prudent as a first course of action.