What should the nurse do upon noting bleeding around a dressing at an intravenous (IV)catheter insertion site?
A)Discontinue the IV.
B)Assess the insertion site.
C)Leave the dressing intact,but reinforce it.
D)Elevate and apply warm compresses to the extremity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When blood appears on the dressing,verify that the system is intact,and change the dressing.The intravenous (IV)catheter should be discontinued in the event of infiltration or phlebitis.If bleeding occurs around the venipuncture site and the catheter is within the vein,gauze dressing may be applied over the site.Be aware that if gauze dressing is used,it must be removed to accurately assess the insertion site.Elevation is used in cases of infiltration to reduce edema.Warm compresses are used in cases of phlebitis.

What Should the Nurse Do Upon Noting Bleeding Around a Dressing