Which of the following actions indicates a nurse may need further instruction in infection control of IV therapy?

Allowing the site to air-dry after cleaning is an important action in maintaining infection control for IV therapy. When a nurse cleans the area around the IV insertion site or an injection port, it's crucial to allow it to air-dry completely before any further handling or accessing takes place. This drying period ensures that the antiseptic solution has effectively eliminated any potential pathogens and increases the effectiveness of the cleaning process. If the site is not allowed to dry, there is a risk that residual cleaning solution could contaminate the area once again or that bacteria might be introduced through handling the site while it is still wet.

Infection control measures in IV therapy are essential to prevent complications such as infections at the IV site. Proper techniques, such as cleansing the injection port before accessing it and palpating the IV site only after proper cleaning, indicate that the nurse understands key practices for maintaining aseptic conditions. Regularly assessing the IV insertion site through a dressing can be appropriate if done carefully, as long as the nurse is mindful of not disrupting the sterile barrier excessively.