A nurse is assessing a client who has an IV catheter in place for fluid administration. The nurse observes swelling, redness, and warmth around the insertion site. Which complication of IV therapy should the nurse suspect?

Phlebitis

Infiltration

Fluid overload

Air embolism

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

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.

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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.

A. Phlebitis B. Infiltration C. Fluid overload D. Air embolism

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) This choice is incorrect because phlebitis and infiltration typically do not cause chest pain, dyspnea, and tachycardia.

B) This choice is incorrect because infiltration is associated with localized symptoms around the IV site, not systemic symptoms like chest pain and dyspnea.

C) This choice is incorrect because fluid overload may cause respiratory distress and tachycardia, but it is not typically associated with sudden chest pain.

D) This choice is correct. The client's symptoms of sudden chest pain, dyspnea, and tachycardia are potential signs of an air embolism, which occurs when air enters the vascular system through the IV catheter and can lead to serious respiratory and cardiac complications.

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A nurse is assessing a client who has an IV catheter in place for fluid administration. The nurse observes swelling, redness, and warmth around the insertion site. Which complication of IV therapy should the nurse suspect?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client with an IV catheter in place for medication administration. The nurse observes redness, warmth, and swelling around the insertion site, and the client reports tenderness and pain. Which complication of IV therapy should the nurse suspect?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client receiving IV medication complains of sudden chest pain, dyspnea, and tachycardia. The nurse should recognize these symptoms as potential signs of which complication of IV therapy?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client receiving IV fluids and observes the client experiencing chills, fever, and elevated heart rate. The nurse should suspect which complication of IV therapy?

A nurse is preparing to administer an IV medication to a client. Which action is essential to prevent complications during the medication administration?

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