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
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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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 and is not associated with purulent drainage and redness.
B) This choice is incorrect because phlebitis typically presents with redness, warmth, and swelling around the insertion site, but it does not cause purulent drainage.
C) This choice is correct. The client's symptoms of tenderness, redness, warmth, and purulent drainage around the insertion site are indicative of an infection, which can occur as a complication of IV therapy if bacteria enter the bloodstream through the catheter.
D) This choice is incorrect because thrombophlebitis does not typically cause purulent drainage at the insertion site.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because phlebitis and infiltration are not associated with symptoms of shortness of breath, crackles in the lungs, and jugular vein distention.
B) This choice is incorrect because infiltration typically does not cause respiratory symptoms like shortness of breath and crackles in the lungs.
C) This choice is correct. The client's symptoms of shortness of breath, crackles in the lungs (rales), and jugular vein distention are potential signs of fluid overload, which occurs when there is an excessive volume of IV fluids administered.
D) This choice is incorrect because catheter occlusion does not cause respiratory symptoms like those described by the client.
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