A client with a history of diabetes is receiving IV therapy. The client complains of pain and redness at the IV site, and the nurse notices purulent drainage. The nurse should suspect which complication of IV therapy?
Infiltration
Phlebitis
Infection
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 purulent drainage and redness.
B) This choice is incorrect because phlebitis typically presents with localized symptoms around the insertion site, such as redness, warmth, and swelling, but it does not cause purulent drainage.
C) This choice is correct. The client's symptoms of pain, redness, and purulent drainage at the IV site are indicative of an infection, which can occur as a complication of IV therapy, especially in clients with diabetes who may have compromised immune systems.
D) This choice is incorrect because thrombophlebitis does not typically cause purulent drainage at the insertion site.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because infiltration involves the inadvertent administration of IV fluid into the surrounding tissues, not redness, warmth, and tenderness around the insertion site.
B) This choice is incorrect because extravasation occurs when IV fluid or medication leaks into the surrounding tissues due to catheter puncture, but it does not present with redness and swelling.
C) This choice is correct. The client's symptoms of redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, and pain around the insertion site are indicative of phlebitis, which is the inflammation of the vein caused by irritants in the IV solution or mechanical trauma from the catheter.
D) This choice is incorrect because an air embolism is not associated with symptoms of phlebitis, such as redness and swelling around 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, not puncturing the vein. Burning pain is not typically associated with infiltration.
B) This choice is incorrect because phlebitis is characterized by redness, warmth, and swelling around the insertion site, not fluid leakage and burning pain.
C) This choice is incorrect because fluid overload is not related to the puncture of the vein and leakage of IV fluid. Symptoms of fluid overload include dyspnea, elevated blood pressure, and jugular vein distention.
D) This choice is correct. The nurse should suspect extravasation, which occurs when IV fluid or medication leaks into the surrounding tissues due to catheter puncture. Burning pain and discomfort at the insertion site are common symptoms of extravasation.
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