What might a nurse observe if an IV medication is infiltrated?

When an IV medication is infiltrated, the primary observation a nurse might make is swelling at the site. Infiltration occurs when the intravenous fluid or medication leaks out of the vein and into the surrounding tissue. This leads to localized edema, which is the swelling caused by the accumulation of fluid in the tissues.

The presence of swelling is a key indicator that the IV line is no longer delivering the medication into the bloodstream as intended, but instead, it is being absorbed by the surrounding tissues. This condition may also be accompanied by other signs such as pallor or coolness of the skin around the infiltration site, but the most direct observation is indeed the swelling.

The other responses involve symptoms or conditions that are not directly associated with infiltration. Increased heart rate is more related to systemic reactions or stress responses, while feeling cold and minimal discomfort may not be significant indicators of an infiltration. Understanding these signs is crucial for prompt assessment and intervention in IV therapy.