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 warmth and swelling along the vein path.
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 tenderness, warmth, and swelling along the vein path.
C) This choice is correct. The client's symptoms of tenderness, warmth, and swelling along the vein path are indicative of thrombophlebitis, which is the inflammation of a vein associated with the formation of a blood clot. The clot can cause obstruction along the vein path, leading to the symptoms described by the client.
D) This choice is incorrect because sepsis typically presents with systemic symptoms like fever, chills, and confusion, not localized symptoms along the vein path.
Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because infiltration is characterized by swelling, coolness, and pallor around the insertion site, not a palpable, cord-like structure along the vein.
B) This choice is incorrect because phlebitis typically presents with redness, warmth, and swelling around the insertion site, not a palpable, cord-like structure.
C) This choice is incorrect because fluid overload is not associated with a palpable, cord-like structure along the vein . It may cause generalized edema and increased blood pressure.
D) This choice is correct. The client's symptoms of tenderness and a palpable, cord-like structure along the vein are indicative of thrombophlebitis, which is the inflammation of a vein associated with the formation of a blood clot. The palpable cord-like structure is likely a thrombus within the vein.
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