If a patient reports a burning sensation at the IV site during infusion, what is the appropriate action?

• A. Stop the infusion, assess for phlebitis or infiltration, consider slowing or changing site, and document.
• B. Ignore the sensation and continue infusion.
• C. Slow the infusion and continue at same site.
• D. Increase the IV rate to flush quickly.

Answer: (A)

Burning at the IV site suggests the line may be irritating the tissue or that the catheter is not in the vein properly (infiltration or early phlebitis). The essential first step is to stop the infusion immediately to prevent further tissue injury. After stopping, inspect the site for signs of infiltration (swelling, pallor, cool skin) or phlebitis (redness, warmth, tenderness). Check the catheter’s position and patency, and determine whether the infusion can be safely continued—usually by removing the line and starting a new IV at a different site if therapy must continue. Document what happened, the assessment findings, and the actions taken, including any change of site or adjustments in therapy. If continuing is necessary, it should be done only after ensuring the current site is safe or using a new site; simply slowing the rate at the same site is not appropriate when burning is present.