When administering an intermittent IV antibiotic infusion, which action best helps maintain IV site integrity?

• A. Increase the infusion rate to complete quickly
• B. Stop the infusion immediately if patient reports discomfort
• C. Reposition the client's arm
• D. Administer a second infusion through a new site

Answer: (C)

Maintaining IV site integrity comes down to minimizing movement and irritation at the catheter tip. Repositioning the arm changes the angle and tension on the catheter, which reduces tugging at the insertion site, helps keep the catheter in the vein, and lowers the risk of infiltration or phlebitis during an intermittent antibiotic infusion. It directly addresses the mechanical stress on the IV line that can compromise patency and should be the first practical step to preserve the site.

Increasing the infusion rate can worsen vein irritation and doesn’t fix the issue of catheter position. Stopping the infusion at the first sign of discomfort interrupts therapy and doesn’t resolve the underlying mechanical problem. Starting a new infusion at a different site introduces unnecessary punctures when the current site can often be preserved with a simple position adjustment.