What should the nurse do after stopping the infusion for an infiltrated IV site?

After stopping the infusion for an infiltrated IV site, the nurse should apply a sterile dressing to protect the site and absorb any potential leakage of fluid. This action helps prevent infection and promotes healing of the affected area. It is a crucial step in ensuring that the patient's safety and comfort are prioritized immediately after identifying the infiltration.

Applying a sterile dressing also serves to manage any potential discomfort from the infiltrated fluid and forms a barrier against contaminants, which is especially important in maintaining the integrity of the patient's skin and preventing further complications.

Other activities, such as documenting the incident or notifying the healthcare provider, are important as well but typically come after addressing the immediate physical needs of the patient. Similarly, measuring vital signs is not the first action taken in response to an infiltrated IV; it may be relevant if there are accompanying symptoms like changes in blood pressure or heart rate, but it is not the immediate response to the infiltration issue itself.