A nurse is caring for a client who has a peripheral IV infusion and notes that the client's arm is edematous, cool, and tender at the catheter insertion site. Which of the following complications of IV therapy should the nurse suspect?
Nerve damage
Infection
Infiltration
Phlebitis
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Nerve damage is incorrect. Nerve damage typically presents with symptoms such as altered sensation, numbness, tingling, or shooting pain along the path of the nerve. The symptoms described in the scenario are more indicative of localized inflammation rather than nerve-related issues.
Choice B Reason:
Infection is incorrect. Infection at the insertion site can manifest with redness, warmth, tenderness, and possibly purulent drainage. While infection is a potential complication of IV therapy, the symptoms described might indicate a different issue.
Choice C Reason:
Infiltration is correct. Infiltration occurs when the IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissues. Symptoms often include swelling, coolness, and tenderness at the site due to the fluid accumulating in the tissue instead of going into the vein. These symptoms align with the description provided.
Choice D Reason:
Phlebitis is incorrect. Phlebitis is the inflammation of a vein, typically presenting with redness, warmth, and tenderness along the vein's path.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
"I'll make sure I stay away from microwave ovens." This statement is incorrect . While there were concerns about interference in the past, modern pacemakers are generally not affected by household appliances like microwave ovens.
Choice B Reason:
"I should have an MRI, rather than a CAT scan, if necessary." This statement is incorrect. Both MRI and CAT scans have considerations when a person has a pacemaker. An MRI might be contraindicated due to the magnetic field, while a CAT scan might be a safer imaging choice.
Choice C Reason:
"I'll hold my cell phone against the ear on the opposite side of my body." This statement reflects an understanding of the precaution to avoid holding a cell phone directly over the implanted pacemaker. Keeping the phone on the opposite side helps minimize the potential interference with the pacemaker's function.
Choice D Reason:
"I shouldn't travel by plane because of airport security." This statement is incorrect. Airport security systems generally don't affect pacemakers, so traveling by plane is usually safe. However, informing security personnel about the presence of a pacemaker is a good practice.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Measuring the client's intake and output every 8 hours is a general nursing intervention but might not be specifically pertinent to managing viral meningitis.
Choice B Reason:
Dim the lighting in the client's room is correct. Meningitis often causes sensitivity to light (photophobia) due to the inflammation of the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Dimming the lighting in the client's room helps reduce discomfort and sensitivity to light, which is a common symptom of meningitis.
Choice C Reason:
Monitoring the client's temperature every 6 hours is a routine nursing practice, but in viral meningitis, more frequent temperature monitoring might be necessary, especially if the client shows signs of fever or instability.
Choice D Reason:
Initiating contact precautions for viral meningitis is not typically necessary because it's usually transmitted through respiratory secretions. Standard precautions for infection control, including proper hand hygiene, are usually sufficient.
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