Certified Medical-Surgical Nurse Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Prep

Assessing a patient's IV site is a critical component of nursing care to ensure patient safety and the proper functioning of the IV. Regular assessment of the IV site helps identify potential complications such as phlebitis, infiltration, or infection, which can lead to serious patient issues if not addressed promptly.

Conducting an assessment at least once every shift ensures ongoing monitoring and facilitates early detection of any problems that may arise. This proactive approach is essential for maintaining the integrity of the IV access and ensuring that the patient is receiving their prescribed therapies without interruption. Additionally, assessing the IV site after administering medication allows the nurse to evaluate the site for any immediate reactions or complications following the medication administration.

The other options do not address the need for regular monitoring. Limiting assessment to only after administering medication or solely when the patient reports pain could lead to delayed recognition of complications, which can compromise patient safety and treatment efficacy. Similarly, assessing only prior to discharge would not allow for timely intervention in the case of developing problems with the IV site during the hospitalization.