A nurse is preparing to insert a peripheral intravenous line on an infant. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. Insert the catheter into the foot: While the scalp and foot veins may be used in infants, foot veins are less preferred in mobile infants due to the risk of dislodgement. Site selection should prioritize accessible and secure veins, often in the hand or scalp. B. Obtain a 24-gauge catheter: A 24-gauge catheter is the appropriate size for infants due to their small and delicate veins. It minimizes trauma during insertion and allows for adequate flow while reducing the risk of vein damage. C. Use gauze to cover the IV insertion site: Transparent dressings, not gauze, are preferred for covering IV sites in infants. They allow for continuous visualization of the site to detect signs of infiltration or infection promptly. D. Monitor the IV site every 8 hours: IV sites in infants should be monitored much more frequently due to their higher risk of infiltration, dislodgement, or phlebitis. Hourly monitoring is standard practice, especially in high-acuity or pediatric settings.