The nurse is administering an intermittent infusion of an antibiotic to a client. If the IV site becomes uncomfortable, what is the most appropriate immediate action?

• A. Reposition the client's arm
• B. Remove the IV and start in a different vein
• C. Increase the infusion rate
• D. Stop the infusion immediately and monitor

Answer: (D)

Discomfort at the IV site during an antibiotic infusion signals potential irritation or infiltration, so the immediate priority is to stop the infusion to prevent further tissue injury and to assess the site. Continuing the infusion or adjusting the rate would risk worsening any local reaction. Repositioning the arm won’t stop the drug from irritating the tissue, and increasing the rate could make it worse. After stopping, watch the area closely for redness, swelling, warmth, or increasing pain, and evaluate whether the catheter is still in a safe position. If the therapy must continue, start a new IV in a different site, but the first and most important action is to halt the infusion and monitor the site.