A client receiving IV therapy develops a fever, chills, and malaise. The nurse notices red streaks along the vein path. Which complication of IV therapy should the nurse suspect?
Infiltration
Phlebitis
Sepsis
Thrombophlebitis
The Correct Answer is C
A) This choice is incorrect because infiltration involves the inadvertent administration of IV fluid into the surrounding tissues and is not associated with fever, chills, and malaise.
B) This choice is incorrect because phlebitis typically presents with localized symptoms around the insertion site, not red streaks along the vein path.
C) This choice is correct. The client's symptoms of fever, chills, malaise, and red streaks along the vein path are indicative of sepsis, which is a severe infection that can occur as a complication of IV therapy. Red streaks along the vein path may indicate the spread of infection along the vein.
D) This choice is incorrect because thrombophlebitis does not typically present with symptoms of fever, chills, and malaise. It is associated with tenderness and a palpable, cord-like structure along the vein.
Questions
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because elevating the client's arm may not address the underlying complication of infiltration. The nurse's priority is to discontinue the IV infusion to prevent further complications.
B) This choice is incorrect because applying a warm compress is not the priority action. The nurse should first discontinue the IV infusion to assess the site and determine appropriate interventions.
C) This choice is correct. The client's symptoms of pain, burning, redness, swelling, and coolness around the insertion site are indicative of infiltration, which occurs when IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissues. The nurse's priority is to discontinue the IV infusion to prevent further complications and assess the site for potential tissue damage.
D) This choice is incorrect because administering an analgesic may provide temporary pain relief, but it does not address the underlying complication of infiltration. The nurse should first discontinue the IV infusion and assess the site for potential complications.
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.
