A patient receiving IV potassium chloride reports burning at the IV site. What is the nurse’s first action?

Intravenous potassium chloride is a high-alert medication that is highly irritating to the vascular endothelium due to its hyperosmolarity and chemical properties. When a patient reports burning at the IV site during a potassium infusion, the nurse's first priority is to stop the infusion immediately. This is necessary to prevent potential extravasation, which can cause tissue damage, necrosis, or chemical phlebitis. After stopping the infusion, the nurse should assess the site for signs of extravasation, infiltration, or phlebitis and notify the provider. Continuing the infusion despite the patient's complaint is unsafe and increases the risk of vascular and tissue injury. Applying a warm compress may be used as a comfort measure after the infusion is stopped and the site is assessed, but it is not the first action because the infusing agent must be stopped before any local treatment is applied. Slowing the infusion rate may reduce the burning sensation somewhat and can be appropriate in cases of minor discomfort without signs of site complications, but this is a secondary measure — stopping the infusion takes priority to allow proper assessment of whether extravasation or chemical irritation has occurred before any decision is made about restarting or adjusting the rate. Patient safety requires stopping the infusion first.