Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 85%
Simulated
A nurse is inserting a short peripheral IV catheter for a client who requires IV fluids. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B: Select a site proximal to previous venipuncture sites. This is important to prevent complications like phlebitis and infiltration. Choosing the client's dominant arm (A) may not always be necessary. Initiating IV access on the palmar side of the wrist (C) is not ideal due to the risk of nerve damage. Inserting a larger gauge IV catheter (D) can increase the risk of phlebitis and should be avoided unless necessary.