A client receiving an IV medication develops localized swelling, erythema, and pain at the IV site. The nurse assesses the client's vital signs and finds no signs of systemic allergic reaction. What is the nurse's priority action?
Discontinue the IV medication immediately.
Administer an antihistamine to relieve the symptoms.
Notify the healthcare provider about the localized reaction.
Elevate the arm to reduce the swelling at the IV site.
The Correct Answer is A
A) This choice is correct. The client's localized symptoms of swelling, erythema, and pain at the IV site may indicate a local allergic reaction or chemical irritation. The nurse should discontinue the IV medication immediately to prevent the progression of the reaction and assess the client further for any systemic signs of an allergic reaction.
B) This choice is not the priority action. While administering an antihistamine may relieve symptoms of an allergic reaction, the nurse's priority is to discontinue the IV medication and assess the client's condition.
C) This choice is not the priority action. While notifying the healthcare provider is important, the nurse's immediate priority is to discontinue the IV medication and assess the client's condition.
D) This choice is not the priority action. Elevating the arm may provide comfort, but the nurse's priority is to discontinue the IV medication and assess the client's condition for any signs of a systemic allergic reaction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because infiltration is not typically associated with chills, fever, and an elevated heart rate.
B) This choice is incorrect because phlebitis may cause local symptoms at the IV site but is not generally associated with systemic symptoms like fever and chills.
C) This choice is incorrect because fluid overload does not cause fever and chills but rather manifests as symptoms like dyspnea, edema, and increased blood pressure.
D) This choice is correct. The client's symptoms of chills, fever, and elevated heart rate are indicative of sepsis, a serious infection that can occur as a complication of IV therapy. Sepsis can develop if bacteria enter the bloodstream through the IV catheter and lead to a systemic inflammatory response.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because Type I (Immediate) hypersensitivity reactions typically involve immediate symptoms like hives, facial swelling, and difficulty breathing, not fever, rash, and elevated liver enzymes.
B) This choice is incorrect because Type II (Cytotoxic) hypersensitivity reactions involve antibodies attacking specific cells or tissues, leading to cell destruction. Elevated liver enzymes may occur in some drug-induced cytotoxic reactions, but they are not commonly associated with fever and rash.
C) This choice is correct. The client's symptoms of fever, rash, and elevated liver enzymes are potential signs of a Type III (Immune Complex-Mediated) hypersensitivity reaction. In this type of hypersensitivity, immune complexes formed by antibodies and antigens deposit in tissues and trigger inflammation, which can affect multiple organs, including the liver.
D) This choice is incorrect because Type IV (Delayed) hypersensitivity reactions occur 24 to 72 hours after exposure to an allergen and are mediated by T cells, leading to localized skin reactions like contact dermatitis. They are not associated with fever and elevated liver enzymes.
Questions
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.