What should you do first if signs of infiltration are observed at an IV site?

• A. Stop the infusion and assess the site; select a new site if needed; document.
• B. Increase rate to reduce contact time.
• C. Continue infusion and monitor without changing site.
• D. Remove IV and never re-insert.

Answer: (A)

When signs of infiltration appear, the top priority is to stop the IV and prevent further leakage into the tissue. Stopping the infusion immediately stops the contributing fluid from spreading and minimizes potential tissue damage. After stopping, you assess the site to determine the extent of infiltration—look for swelling, pallor, coolness, tenderness, and whether the surrounding area is changing. Based on that assessment, you decide if a new IV site is needed and then place one in a different location to continue therapy safely. Finally, document what happened, including the signs observed, actions taken, and where the new site was placed, so the care team has a complete record for monitoring and future access.