A client receiving IV therapy complains of pain and burning at the insertion site. The nurse notices the skin turning red and becoming tender. Which action should the nurse take first?
Stop the IV infusion immediately.
Elevate the arm to promote venous return.
Apply a warm compress to the site for comfort.
Administer a prescribed analgesic.
The Correct Answer is A
A) This choice is correct. The client's symptoms of pain, burning, redness, and tenderness at the insertion site are indicative of a potential complication, such as phlebitis or infiltration. The nurse should stop the IV infusion immediately to prevent further damage.
B) This choice is incorrect because elevating the arm may not address the underlying complication of phlebitis or infiltration.
C) This choice is incorrect because applying a warm compress is not the priority. The nurse should first stop the infusion to prevent complications.
D) This choice is incorrect because administering an analgesic may provide temporary relief, but it does not address the potential complication causing the client's symptoms. The nurse should first stop the IV infusion to assess the site and determine appropriate interventions.
Questions
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
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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