What is a potential complication that a nurse should monitor for in a patient with an IV line?

Fluid overload is a significant potential complication associated with intravenous (IV) therapy, particularly in patients receiving large volumes of fluids or those who are vulnerable due to underlying health conditions, such as heart or kidney disease. When a patient's body receives more fluid than it can handle, it can lead to elevated blood pressure, pulmonary edema, and heart failure, among other serious issues.

Monitoring for signs of fluid overload is essential for nurses to ensure patient safety. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, increased respiratory rate, swelling in the extremities, and abnormal findings on auscultation of lung sounds (such as crackles). Therefore, vigilantly watching for these indications allows for timely intervention, such as adjusting IV fluid rates or notifying the healthcare provider to reassess the treatment plan.

In contrast, while dehydration, increased appetite, and weight loss can be relevant clinical observations in various patient contexts, they are not direct complications related to the presence of an IV line. Dehydration typically occurs due to inadequate fluid intake or excessive fluid loss, while increased appetite can signify recovery or metabolic changes and is generally not a concern associated with IV therapy. Weight loss may result from multiple factors, including underlying health conditions or malnutrition, rather than being a consequence of IV therapy itself.