How often should peripheral IV sites be assessed?

Peripheral IV sites should be assessed every 4 hours to ensure their integrity and functionality. This frequency allows healthcare providers to monitor for any signs of complications such as infiltration, phlebitis, or infection, which can occur without immediate symptoms.

Regular assessments are crucial for maintaining patient safety and preventing complications that can arise from prolonged use of the same IV site. While more frequent assessments may be necessary for patients with specific needs or higher risks, the standard practice of assessing every 4 hours strikes an appropriate balance between vigilance and the practical needs of patient care.

Longer intervals, such as 8 hours, could potentially lead to undetected issues that might compromise patient safety, while hourly assessments may be excessive in stable patients, leading to unnecessary disruptions and resource allocation. Therefore, the 4-hour interval is widely recognized as a best practice in IV therapy.