A nurse plans to start an intravenous (IV) on a client. Which action should the nurse plan to take to ensure client safety before IV insertion?

Choice A reason: Documenting the procedure is important but occurs after the IV is inserted, not before. Pre-procedure documentation does not prevent errors or confirm client identity, which is critical for safety. Choice B reason: Gathering supplies is a necessary preparatory step, but it does not directly ensure the correct client receives the IV. While important for efficiency, safety measures must prioritize client identification. Choice C reason: Asking the client for a preferred arm supports autonomy and comfort but does not confirm the client’s identity or prevent errors related to patient misidentification. This alone cannot ensure safe care. Choice D reason: Using two unique identifiers (such as full name and date of birth) is the most critical safety step before any procedure, including IV insertion. This prevents errors such as administering treatment to the wrong client and aligns with safety protocols and standards of care.