What must be monitored when administering IV medication?

Monitoring vital signs and potential adverse reactions is crucial when administering IV medication. This practice allows healthcare providers to ensure the patient's safety and effectively manage any immediate complications or side effects that may arise from the medication. Alterations in vital signs can indicate an adverse reaction, such as anaphylaxis or infection, thus enabling timely interventions.

Regular observation of the patient can also help in assessing the medication's effectiveness and guide adjustments in dosage or treatment plans based on the patient's response. This continuous assessment is a key component of ensuring quality care and patient safety during intravenous therapy.

While hydration levels, site condition, and the type of catheter used are also important considerations in the overall management of IV therapy, they do not encapsulate the immediate monitoring needed for the administration of medication specifically. Hence, focusing on vital signs and adverse reactions aligns best with the critical aspects of IV medication administration.