A client receiving IV antibiotics develops sudden onset dyspnea, chest pain, and cyanosis. The nurse should suspect which complication of IV therapy?

Phlebitis

Infiltration

Fluid overload

Pulmonary embolism

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A) This choice is incorrect because phlebitis does not present with symptoms of dyspnea, chest pain, and cyanosis.

B) This choice is incorrect because infiltration does not cause sudden onset dyspnea, chest pain, and cyanosis. Infiltration involves localized symptoms around the insertion site.

C) This choice is incorrect because fluid overload does not typically cause sudden onset dyspnea, chest pain, and cyanosis.

D) This choice is correct. The client's symptoms of sudden onset dyspnea, chest pain, and cyanosis are indicative of a pulmonary embolism, which occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs. This can be a life-threatening complication of IV therapy, especially in clients receiving antibiotics who are at higher risk for clot formation.

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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.

A. Administering the IV medications rapidly to minimize exposure. B. Consulting with the healthcare provider to switch to oral medications. C. Using a smaller-gauge IV catheter for medication administration. D. Performing a thorough allergy assessment and using allergy alerts.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) This choice is incorrect because administering IV medications rapidly may increase the risk of an allergic reaction, especially in a client with a history of multiple drug allergies.

B) This choice is incorrect because switching to oral medications may not be appropriate or feasible for all IV medications. The nurse should consider alternative medications only after performing a thorough allergy assessment and consulting with the healthcare provider.

C) This choice is incorrect because the choice of IV catheter gauge is not directly related to preventing allergic reactions. It should be based on the medication's compatibility and viscosity.

D) This choice is correct. A thorough allergy assessment is essential in a client with a history of multiple drug allergies to identify potential allergens and prevent exposure to allergenic medications. The nurse should communicate allergies to the healthcare team and document them in the client's medical record, using allergy alerts or wristbands, to ensure safe medication administration.

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A client receiving IV antibiotics develops sudden onset dyspnea, chest pain, and cyanosis. The nurse should suspect which complication of IV therapy?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client receiving IV fluids and observes the client experiencing chills, fever, and elevated heart rate. The nurse should suspect which complication of IV therapy?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client with a history of multiple drug allergies who requires IV therapy. Which intervention is essential to prevent an allergic reaction in this client?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client with an IV catheter in place for medication administration. The client reports tenderness, redness, and warmth around the insertion site. The nurse observes purulent drainage at the site. Which complication of IV therapy should the nurse suspect?

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A nurse is caring for a client with an IV catheter in place for medication administration. The nurse observes redness, warmth, and swelling around the insertion site, and the client reports tenderness and pain. Which complication of IV therapy should the nurse suspect?

A nurse is caring for a client with an IV catheter in place for medication administration. The nurse notes swelling and coolness around the insertion site. Which complication of IV therapy should the nurse suspect?