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?

Choice A Reason:
Digoxin is a cardiac medication used to treat heart conditions such as heart failure and certain arrhythmias. There's no direct chemical relationship between digoxin and sulfa compounds. Generally, digoxin does not contain sulfa components, so it's less likely to cause an allergic reaction in individuals with sulfa allergies. This medication does not typically require clarification for someone with a sulfa allergy.

Choice B Reason:
Prednisone is a corticosteroid used to treat a variety of conditions, including inflammation, allergies, and autoimmune disorders. It does not contain sulfonamide groups in its structure. As a corticosteroid, prednisone is distinct from sulfonamide drugs and is generally considered safe for individuals with sulfa allergies. There is typically no need to clarify this medication for a sulfa-allergic client.

Choice C Reason:
Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that belongs to the sulfonamide class. While it is not the same as sulfonamide antibiotics, it contains a sulfonamide moiety in its chemical structure. There's a possibility of cross-reactivity or allergic reactions in individuals with sulfa allergies due to the structural similarity, making it essential to clarify this prescription for someone with a sulfa allergy.

Choice D Reason:
Atorvastatin is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels. It does not contain a sulfonamide group in its structure. Statins belong to a different drug class and do not typically pose a risk of cross-reactivity in individuals with sulfa allergies. Therefore, atorvastatin is generally considered safe and does not usually require clarification for a sulfa-allergic client.

Choice A Reason:

Bilirubin 1.0 mg/dL (0.3 to 1.0 mg/dL) is incorrect. Bilirubin levels within the normal range typically indicate normal liver function. The value of 1.0 mg/dL falls within the expected range, so it doesn't raise immediate concerns regarding the need for a liver biopsy.

Choice B Reason:

Aspartate aminotransferase 34 units/L (0 to 34 units/L) is incorrect. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme found in various tissues, including the liver, heart, muscles, and red blood cells. While a value of 34 units/L is at the upper limit of the normal range, it's still within the expected range and doesn't typically prompt immediate concern for the need for a biopsy.

Choice C Reason:

Ammonia 55 mcg/dL (10 to 80 mcg/dL ) is incorrect. Ammonia levels can rise in cases of liver dysfunction. The level of 55 mcg/dL falls within the reference range, indicating normal or near-normal ammonia levels, which doesn't usually necessitate an urgent liver biopsy.

Choice D Reason:

Platelets 60,000/mm3 (150,000 to 400,000/mm3) is correct. Platelets are crucial for blood clotting. A significantly low platelet count, such as 60,000/mm3, termed thrombocytopenia, can indicate compromised clotting ability, which might pose a risk of bleeding during or after a liver biopsy. In the context of a liver biopsy, a low platelet count warrants attention and consideration before proceeding with the procedure to prevent excessive bleeding or complications.