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?

Infiltration

Phlebitis

Fluid overload

Sepsis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A) This choice is incorrect because infiltration is not typically associated with chills, fever, and an elevated heart rate.

B) This choice is incorrect because phlebitis may cause local symptoms at the IV site but is not generally associated with systemic symptoms like fever and chills.

C) This choice is incorrect because fluid overload does not cause fever and chills but rather manifests as symptoms like dyspnea, edema, and increased blood pressure.

D) This choice is correct. The client's symptoms of chills, fever, and elevated heart rate are indicative of sepsis, a serious infection that can occur as a complication of IV therapy. Sepsis can develop if bacteria enter the bloodstream through the IV catheter and lead to a systemic inflammatory response.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) This choice is incorrect because infiltration is not typically associated with symptoms of chest pain, difficulty breathing, decreased blood pressure, and weak pulse.

B) This choice is incorrect because phlebitis does not cause sudden onset chest pain, difficulty breathing, decreased blood pressure, and weak pulse.

C) This choice is incorrect because fluid overload is not associated with symptoms like chest pain and decreased blood pressure. It may cause elevated blood pressure due to increased fluid volume.

D) This choice is correct. The client's symptoms of sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing, decreased blood pressure, and weak pulse are indicative of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis can occur in response to an allergen in the IV fluid or medication and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

A. Phlebitis B. Infiltration C. Fluid overload D. Extravasation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) This choice is incorrect because phlebitis typically presents with redness, warmth, and swelling around the insertion site but does not cause blistering of the skin.

B) This choice is incorrect because infiltration involves swelling and coolness around the IV site, not blistering and redness.

C) This choice is incorrect because fluid overload is not associated with pain, burning, swelling, or blistering around the IV site.

D) This choice is correct. The client's symptoms of pain, burning, swelling, redness, and blistering around the IV site are indicative of extravasation, which occurs when chemotherapy or other vesicant medications leak into the surrounding tissues, causing tissue damage and skin breakdown.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client receiving IV fluids suddenly complains of chest pain and difficulty breathing. The nurse quickly assesses the client's vital signs and observes decreased blood pressure and weak pulse. The nurse should suspect which complication of IV therapy?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client receiving chemotherapy through an IV complains of pain, burning, and swelling around the IV site. The nurse notices the skin turning red and blistering. Which complication of IV therapy should the nurse suspect?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client receiving an IV medication develops localized swelling, erythema, and pain at the IV site. The nurse assesses the client's vital signs and finds no signs of systemic allergic reaction. What is the nurse's priority action?

A nurse is caring for a client receiving IV fluids. The client complains of pain, burning, and redness at the insertion site. Upon assessment, the nurse notes swelling and coolness around the site. What is the nurse's priority action?

A client with chronic kidney disease is receiving IV therapy with a potassium-containing solution. The nurse should carefully monitor the client for which complication?

A nurse is preparing to administer an IV antibiotic to a client. The client states, "I'm allergic to penicillin, and my throat feels itchy." What is the nurse's priority action?

A client receiving IV medications develops a painful, warm, and red streak along the arm near the IV site. The nurse should recognize these symptoms as potential signs of which complication of IV therapy?

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?

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

A nurse is caring for a client with an IV catheter in place for medication administration. The nurse notes swelling and coolness around the insertion site. Which complication of IV therapy should the nurse suspect?