If a nurse notes blanching, coolness, and edema at a client's IV site, what should be the priority action?

In this scenario, the symptoms of blanching, coolness, and edema at the IV site indicate a potential infiltration or extravasation of the intravenous fluid, meaning that the fluid is leaking out of the vein and into the surrounding tissue. The priority action in this case is to remove the IV catheter, as it is essential to stop further fluid from leaking into the tissue, which can cause additional complications such as pain, tissue damage, or necrosis.

Removing the IV catheter promptly ensures that the source of the problem is addressed immediately, preventing further risks to the patient's health. After removing the catheter, it is critical to further assess the site and implement appropriate interventions, such as applying a warm compress or measuring the area of infiltration, depending on the extent of the situation and the facility's protocols. However, the immediate priority remains the safe removal of the catheter to halt the infiltration process.