A client on an intravenous infusion suddenly complains of chest pain. What should be your initial intervention?

When a client on an intravenous infusion suddenly complains of chest pain, the most immediate and critical intervention is to stop the IV infusion and place the client in a left Trendelenburg position. This action addresses potential complications associated with IV therapy, such as air embolism or infusion-related complications, which can lead to severe cardiovascular issues.

Stopping the IV infusion is crucial to prevent further complications while assessing the situation. The left Trendelenburg position can help facilitate venous return to the heart and may also assist in the prevention of air embolism from ascending toward the heart. This position might help stabilize the patient until further assessment and interventions can be made.

While notifying the physician and administering oxygen are important steps as well, these interventions are secondary to the immediate need to stabilize the client by stopping the infusion and providing appropriate positioning. Replacing the IV bottle would not address the immediate concern of chest pain and could potentially exacerbate the problem if an embolism is suspected. Therefore, prioritizing the client's safety by stopping the infusion and positioning appropriately is essential.