A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving a continuous IV through a peripheral intravenous device. The nurse notes the catheter site is warm and painful to touch. Which of the priority actions should the nurse take?

Rationale: A. Stop the IV infusion immediately and contact the provider is correct. Warmth, pain, and possible redness at the IV site are classic signs of phlebitis, which can progress to infection or thrombophlebitis if not addressed promptly. Stopping the IV prevents further irritation or medication infusion into the inflamed vein, and notifying the provider allows for appropriate interventions, such as removing the catheter and prescribing treatment. B. Place the affected extremity below the level of the client's heart is incorrect because elevation, not lowering, is used for infiltration to reduce swelling. Placing the extremity lower does not treat phlebitis and may worsen discomfort. C. Place a pressure dressing over the IV site is incorrect because pressure dressings are used for bleeding control, not for phlebitis. Applying pressure over an inflamed vein may increase pain and further irritate the tissue. D. Apply a warm compress to the IV site is partially correct as a supportive measure for comfort and to promote blood flow and healing, but it is secondary to stopping the infusion. Continuing the IV while applying a warm compress would worsen the irritation.