How can an infiltrated IV site be identified?

An infiltrated IV site can be accurately identified by signs such as swelling, warmth, and discomfort at the site. When an IV infiltrates, the intravenous fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue instead of staying within the vein. This causes the area around the IV site to swell due to the accumulation of fluid. The warmth indicates increased blood flow to the area as the body's response to the irritation and injury caused by the infiltrated fluid. Discomfort or pain at the site is also a direct result of the pressure and irritation from the leaking fluid.

Other options may not directly point to infiltration. For instance, changes in color and skin irritation may occur with other complications, such as infection or phlebitis. Decreased blood pressure is not typically associated with infiltration but could indicate systemic issues unrelated to the local IV site. Similarly, pain in the opposite limb does not correlate with the condition of the IV site, as it may relate to a completely different issue. Hence, the combination of swelling, warmth, and discomfort provides a clear indication of infiltration at the IV site.