Which of the following might be a result of failure to maintain patency in an IV line?

The inability to maintain patency in an IV line can lead to serious complications, one of which is potential harmful reactions to medications. When an IV line is not patent, it may not adequately deliver medications into the bloodstream. This can result in the medication not reaching the systemic circulation effectively, potentially causing a buildup of the drug at the injection site, leading to tissue irritation, infiltration, or even extravasation if the drug is vesicant. Furthermore, inadequate delivery can also provoke adverse reactions to the medication, particularly if the dose delivered is incorrect due to line blockage.

Maintaining IV patency is crucial for ensuring that medications are administered as intended, without causing harm or diminishing their therapeutic effect. This focus on the efficacy and safety of medication administration is central to nursing and medical practice in IV therapy.