A client receiving IV fluids suddenly experiences shortness of breath, crackles in the lungs, and jugular vein distention. The nurse should recognize these symptoms as potential signs of which complication of IV therapy?
Phlebitis
Infiltration
Fluid overload
Catheter occlusion
The Correct Answer is C
A) This choice is incorrect because phlebitis and infiltration are not associated with symptoms of shortness of breath, crackles in the lungs, and jugular vein distention.
B) This choice is incorrect because infiltration typically does not cause respiratory symptoms like shortness of breath and crackles in the lungs.
C) This choice is correct. The client's symptoms of shortness of breath, crackles in the lungs (rales), and jugular vein distention are potential signs of fluid overload, which occurs when there is an excessive volume of IV fluids administered.
D) This choice is incorrect because catheter occlusion does not cause respiratory symptoms like those described by the client.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because phlebitis typically presents with redness, warmth, and swelling around the insertion site but does not cause blistering of the skin.
B) This choice is incorrect because infiltration involves swelling and coolness around the IV site, not blistering and redness.
C) This choice is incorrect because fluid overload is not associated with pain, burning, swelling, or blistering around the IV site.
D) This choice is correct. The client's symptoms of pain, burning, swelling, redness, and blistering around the IV site are indicative of extravasation, which occurs when chemotherapy or other vesicant medications leak into the surrounding tissues, causing tissue damage and skin breakdown.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because infiltration involves the inadvertent administration of IV fluid into the surrounding tissues and is not associated with chest pain, dyspnea, and tachycardia.
B) This choice is incorrect because phlebitis typically presents with localized symptoms around the insertion site and is not associated with chest pain, dyspnea, and tachycardia.
C) This choice is incorrect because fluid overload does not typically cause chest pain, dyspnea, and tachycardia but rather manifests as symptoms such as elevated blood pressure, jugular vein distention, and edema.
D) This choice is correct. The client's symptoms of chest pain, dyspnea, and tachycardia are potential signs of thrombophlebitis, which is the inflammation of a vein associated with the formation of a blood clot. The clot can become dislodged and travel to the lungs, leading to a pulmonary embolism, which presents with chest pain and dyspnea.
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