A nurse is assessing a client receiving IV fluids and notes the presence of fever, chills, and confusion. The client's blood pressure is low, and the skin appears mottled. The nurse should recognize these symptoms as potential signs of which complication?
Infiltration
Phlebitis
Fluid overload
Sepsis
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 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.
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 C
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because infiltration is not directly related to the client's history of heart failure.
B) This choice is incorrect because phlebitis is not specifically associated with heart failure but rather with irritants in the IV solution or mechanical trauma.
C) This choice is correct. Clients with a history of heart failure are at an increased risk of fluid overload due to their compromised cardiac function. Monitoring for signs of fluid overload, such as dyspnea, jugular vein distention, and peripheral edema, is essential during IV therapy.
D) This choice is incorrect because an air embolism is not directly related to the client's history of heart failure.
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