An older adult client has a normal saline IV infusion at 45 mL/hour. The client reports pain at the IV insertion site. No redness or edema observed around the IV site. Which action should the nurse take?

A. Consult with the healthcare provider (HCP) about the best location to start a new IV: While contacting the HCP may be necessary if IV therapy must be discontinued or relocated, it is premature to do so without first determining the cause of the client’s pain. Immediate consultation does not address the assessment needed to identify potential irritation. B. Convert the IV to a saline lock and continue to monitor the site: Converting to a saline lock is an option when continuous IV fluids are no longer required, but in this scenario, the client is still receiving a continuous infusion. Simply converting to a saline lock without investigating the cause of pain may overlook irritation, phlebitis, or chemical sensitivity, delaying intervention. C. Determine what IV medications have recently been administered: Pain at the IV site without redness or edema may indicate chemical irritation from recently administered medications, particularly hypertonic solutions or vesicants. Reviewing the client’s medication history allows the nurse to identify causative agents, assess compatibility with the current IV site, and decide whether the infusion should be continued, slowed, or relocated to prevent further discomfort. D. Explain that without redness or edema, there is no need to restart the IV: Absence of visible signs such as redness or swelling does not rule out early irritation or discomfort from IV fluids or medications. Assuming the IV site is fine without further assessment could allow progression to phlebitis or infiltration. Investigating the cause of pain is necessary to ensure safe therapy.