Which of the following is a main IV complication?

• A. Infection at the site
• B. Arterial thrombosis
• C. Device malfunction
• D. Hypoglycemia

Answer: (A)

Intravascular catheter infections are the most common and clinically important complication of IV access. When the skin barrier is breached to place a line, bacteria from the skin or the environment can colonize the catheter tract and surrounding tissue, potentially leading to local infection and, if unchecked, a catheter-related bloodstream infection. This risk is why infection prevention—strict aseptic technique during insertion, proper hand hygiene, chlorhexidine skin prep, and ongoing line care and timely removal when no longer needed—is emphasized in practice. Arterial thrombosis is not a typical IV complication for standard peripheral lines and is less common; device malfunction can occur but is not as prevalent or impactful as infection; hypoglycemia is not a direct consequence of IV access itself unless a hypoglycemic agent like insulin is being given IV.