What is the correct action if the nurse sees redness and swelling at the IV site during dressing change?

When a nurse observes redness and swelling at the IV site during a dressing change, taking prompt action is crucial to ensure patient safety and prevent complications such as infection or infiltration. Changing the IV site and notifying the healthcare provider is the appropriate response in this situation.

Redness and swelling can be indicators of phlebitis, infiltration, or infection. By changing the IV site, the nurse minimizes the risk of these potential complications exacerbating, as continued use of a compromised site could lead to further issues such as pain, tissue damage, or sepsis. Additionally, informing the healthcare provider allows for further assessment and intervention, which may include additional orders for pain management, antibiotics, or other treatments.

Other options, such as continuing the dressing change or just documenting the findings, do not address the immediate concerns of inflammation at the site that could impact patient safety. Applying warm compresses and reassessing later might provide temporary relief for minor issues but does not tackle the potential underlying problems requiring immediate attention and intervention. Thus, changing the IV site and notifying the healthcare provider ensures that the patient's needs are met promptly and effectively.