What is an appropriate action when caring for a client with immunosuppression and a continuous IV infusion?

Monitoring the IV site for infection every 4 hours is vital when caring for a client with immunosuppression. These clients have a weakened immune system, making them more susceptible to infections, including at the site of an IV infusion. By routinely checking the IV site, a healthcare provider can quickly identify any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge, allowing for prompt intervention. This frequent monitoring is essential for preventing complications and ensuring the client’s safety during their treatment.

The other actions, while important in certain contexts, do not address the immediate risk of infection related to the IV site as effectively. Changing IV tubing every 48 hours may be appropriate depending on facility protocol, but it does not directly mitigate the risk of infection like the regular assessment does. Checking the WBC count every 72 hours provides information about the client's overall immune status but is too infrequent to prevent or quickly respond to an infection at the IV site. Lastly, assessing vital signs every shift is part of general patient monitoring but might not reflect localized infections that could develop at the IV site. Therefore, prioritizing IV site monitoring aligns with the needs of a client with immunosuppression to actively prevent and manage potential complications.