A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving intravenous therapy and observes redness and inflammation along the vein. The nurse should identify this finding as which of the following complications of IV therapy?
Extravasation
Phlebitis
Infiltration
Venous spasm
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
Extravasation is incorrect. This occurs when the intravenous fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue rather than remaining within the vein. It may cause swelling, pain, and potential tissue damage due to the infused solution's irritant effects.
Choice B Reason:
Phlebitis is correct. Phlebitis refers to the inflammation of a vein often characterized by redness, warmth, swelling, and tenderness along the course of the vein. It can occur due to various reasons, including irritation from the IV catheter, chemical irritation from the infused solution, or infection.
Choice C Reason:
Infiltration is incorrect. Infiltration refers to the inadvertent leakage of the infused fluid into the surrounding tissues. It may cause swelling and discomfort but doesn't typically present with redness and inflammation along the vein.
Choice D Reason:
Venous spasm is incorrect. Venous spasm involves the involuntary contraction of the vein, which can occur in response to irritation or trauma. It may cause temporary difficulty in IV access but does not usually present with redness and inflammation along the vein as the primary signs.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The medication vial sat at room temperature for 2 hr before it was administered is correct. Medications like filgrastim typically have specific storage requirements, including temperature control. Allowing the medication vial to sit at room temperature for an extended period may compromise its stability or effectiveness, leading to potential concerns regarding medication safety. Reporting incidents related to improper medication storage is essential to ensure patient safety and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Choice B Reason:
The client's absolute neutrophil count was 2,500/mm3 before the medication was administered. Is incorrect. A normal or adequate absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 2,500/mm3 before administering filgrastim is not an adverse event that requires an incident report.
Choice C Reason:
The nurse flushed the client's IV line with dextrose 5% in water before and after the medication was administered. Is incorrect. Flushing the IV line with dextrose 5% in water is a standard practice and not considered an adverse event or reason for filing an incident report.
Choice D Reason:
The client had chemotherapy 12 hr before the medication was administered. Is incorrect. The timing of previous chemotherapy administration, in this case, doesn't inherently suggest an adverse event requiring an incident report.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Bone loss is correct. Prednisone, a corticosteroid, can lead to decreased bone density (osteoporosis) over extended periods of use, particularly in older adults. This adverse effect increases the risk of fractures and bone-related issues due to the drug's impact on bone health and calcium absorption.
Choice B Reason:
Liver toxicity is incorrect. While prednisone can affect liver function tests in some cases, it is less commonly associated with significant liver toxicity compared to other medications. However, liver function should be monitored during prolonged use.
Choice C Reason:
Hemolytic anemia is incorrect. Prednisone is not typically associated with causing hemolytic anemia as an adverse effect.
Choice D Reason:
Hypoglycemia is not a common adverse effect associated with prednisone use. In fact, prednisone can elevate blood sugar levels and may lead to hyperglycemia or exacerbate diabetes in susceptible individuals.

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