What is the primary role of the nurse in managing patients with IV therapy?

The primary role of the nurse in managing patients with IV therapy centers around assessing the insertion site, monitoring for potential complications, and ensuring the correct administration of medications. This responsibility is critical because intravenous therapy involves direct access to the vascular system, which can carry risks such as infection, phlebitis, or infiltration.

Regular assessment of the insertion site allows the nurse to identify early signs of complications, such as swelling, redness, or tenderness, which may indicate an infection or poor catheter placement. Monitoring involves observing the patient for any adverse reactions related to the medication being administered, as these can manifest quickly due to the direct entry into the bloodstream.

Moreover, ensuring the correct administration of medications is vital to patient safety and therapeutic efficacy. This includes verifying that the right drug, dose, route, and patient are all in alignment with the physician's orders. Overall, thorough monitoring and assessment form the backbone of safe and effective IV therapy management.