A nurse is preparing to administer intravenous morphine when she notices the patient's I.V. site is swollen and red. What should the nurse do next?

Explanation

•The patient's I.V. site is showing signs of infection and should be discontinued immediately. The nurse should then start a new I.V. in a different location.

•Notifying the physician is not needed. The nurse can discontinue an I.V. and start a new one without the approval of the physician.

•Checking for patency and applying a cold compress is not appropriate.

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