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?

Choice A reason: Pain at the IV site without redness or edema may indicate irritation from medications recently infused, such as hypertonic or irritating solutions. Reviewing recent IV medications helps identify the cause and guides appropriate intervention. This is the most immediate and appropriate nursing action. Choice B reason: Consulting the HCP about a new IV site is premature without first assessing potential causes of pain. If the pain is due to medication irritation, adjusting administration methods may resolve the issue. Choice C reason: Converting to a saline lock does not address the client’s pain and may prevent necessary fluid administration. This option is not appropriate. Choice D reason: Explaining that no action is needed disregards the client’s report of pain. Pain is a valid symptom and must be investigated, even in the absence of redness or edema.