g. Use antimicrobial ointment at the IV site.
h. Label the IV site, bag or bottle, and tubing with the date and time to ensure that these are changed on time according to agency policy.
i. Ensure that the IV solution is not hanging for more than24 hours.
j. If infection occurs, the physician is notified ; discontinue the IV, and the venipuncture device ina sterile container for possible culture.
k. Prepare to obtain blood culture as prescribed if infection occurs.
l. Restart an IV in the opposite arm to differentiate sepsis (systemic infection) from local infection at the IV site.