A client receiving IV therapy suddenly experiences chest pain, dyspnea, and tachycardia. The nurse should recognize these symptoms as potential signs of which complication?
Infiltration
Phlebitis
Fluid overload
Thrombophlebitis
The Correct Answer is D
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) This choice is correct. The client's symptoms of swelling, redness, and warmth around the insertion site are indicative of phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein caused by irritants in the IV solution or mechanical trauma from the catheter.
B) This choice is incorrect because infiltration refers to the inadvertent administration of IV fluid into the surrounding tissues, causing swelling and coolness around the insertion site.
C) This choice is incorrect because fluid overload is characterized by symptoms such as shortness of breath, elevated blood pressure, and bounding pulse, not local symptoms around the IV site.
D) This choice is incorrect because air embolism occurs when air enters the vascular system, leading to symptoms such as dyspnea, cyanosis, and chest pain, rather than localized symptoms at the insertion site.
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.
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