Which ongoing assessment is important to ensure that a patient’s peripheral IV dressing change was successful?

Checking the appearance of the IV site is crucial for assessing the success of a peripheral IV dressing change. After changing the dressing, it is important to evaluate the site for any signs of complications such as redness, swelling, or drainage, which can indicate infection or improper placement. A well-maintained IV site should appear clean, dry, and intact, signaling that the dressing change was performed correctly and that the catheter remains functional.

While monitoring the emotional state, asking about pain levels, and evaluating the volume of fluid infused are important components of patient care, they do not directly confirm the successful outcome of the dressing change itself. Emotional state may be monitored to provide holistic care, pain levels can alert to issues, and the amount of fluid infused is essential for understanding treatment progress, but none of these factors provide specific insights into the condition of the IV site post-dressing change.