A client receiving IV medication complains of sudden chest pain, dyspnea, and tachycardia. The nurse should recognize these symptoms as potential signs of which complication of IV therapy?
Phlebitis
Infiltration
Fluid overload
Air embolism
The Correct Answer is D
A) This choice is incorrect because phlebitis and infiltration typically do not cause chest pain, dyspnea, and tachycardia.
B) This choice is incorrect because infiltration is associated with localized symptoms around the IV site, not systemic symptoms like chest pain and dyspnea.
C) This choice is incorrect because fluid overload may cause respiratory distress and tachycardia, but it is not typically associated with sudden chest pain.
D) This choice is correct. The client's symptoms of sudden chest pain, dyspnea, and tachycardia are potential signs of an air embolism, which occurs when air enters the vascular system through the IV catheter and can lead to serious respiratory and cardiac complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because phlebitis typically presents with redness, warmth, and swelling around the insertion site, not coolness.
B) This choice is correct. The client's symptoms of swelling and coolness around the insertion site are indicative of infiltration, which occurs when IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissues.
C) This choice is incorrect because fluid overload is not associated with localized symptoms like swelling and coolness at the IV site.
D) This choice is incorrect because an air embolism is not associated with symptoms of swelling and coolness at the IV site.
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 typically associated with systemic symptoms like fever, confusion, and low blood pressure.
B) This choice is incorrect because phlebitis typically presents with localized symptoms around the insertion site and is not associated with systemic symptoms like fever, confusion, and low blood pressure.
C) This choice is incorrect because fluid overload is not associated with symptoms of fever, chills, and confusion. It may cause elevated blood pressure and edema.
D) This choice is correct. The client's symptoms of fever, chills, confusion, low blood pressure, and mottled skin are potential signs of sepsis, a severe infection that can occur as a complication of IV therapy. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
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