What should a nurse do to help minimize the risk of infection associated with IV therapy?

To minimize the risk of infection associated with IV therapy, palpating the insertion site daily through the intact dressing is a key practice. This technique allows the nurse to assess the site for signs of complications, such as local swelling, tenderness, or continued patency, while maintaining the integrity of the dressing, which serves as a barrier against pathogens.

By palpating the site through a sterile or clean dressing, nurses can monitor for subtle changes that may indicate early infection or complications without exposing the insertion site to environmental contaminants. Regular assessment is crucial in ensuring the ongoing safety of IV therapy, and through this practice, nurses can take timely action if any concerns arise.

Changing the IV every week may not be sufficient to prevent infection, particularly if the IV site remains patent and without complications. Using an antiseptic on the insertion site daily can also be potentially harmful if it disrupts the dressing or causes irritation. Applying heat to the insertion site is not a standard practice for infection prevention and may even increase the risk of complications.