A nurse is preparing to initiate IV therapy for an older adult client. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

A. Selecting a vein on the back of the hand may be appropriate in some situations; however, in older adult clients, veins are often fragile and may be more suitable for forearm sites where veins are larger, more stable, and less likely to rupture. Therefore, this is not the best or most recommended overall action compared to choosing appropriate equipment size. B. Using a 22-gauge catheter for insertion is correct. Older adults commonly have fragile, small, and more fragile veins due to age-related changes such as decreased elasticity and increased fragility. A smaller gauge catheter (such as 22-gauge) reduces the risk of vein damage, infiltration, and hematoma formation, making it an appropriate and safe choice for IV therapy in this population. C. Applying a tourniquet firmly above the insertion site is incorrect because excessive pressure can cause vein rupture, bruising, or compromised circulation in older adults with fragile skin and veins. A tourniquet should be applied lightly and just enough to engorge the vein without causing tissue damage. D. Cleaning the site using vigorous friction is incorrect. Vigorous scrubbing can damage fragile skin in older adults and increase the risk of skin tears. The correct technique involves gentle but thorough antiseptic cleansing, often using alcohol or chlorhexidine with adequate drying time, to reduce infection risk without harming the skin.