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A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving IV fluid therapy. For which of the following findings should the nurse monitor as an adverse effect of the IV fluid therapy?

A.

Bradypnea

B.

Distended neck veins

C.

Weight loss

D.

Bradycardia

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Bradypnea. Slow respiratory rate is not a typical sign of fluid overload. In fact, fluid volume excess may lead to tachypnea or dyspnea as fluid accumulates in the lungs and impairs gas exchange.
B. Distended neck veins. Jugular vein distention is a classic sign of fluid volume overload. It reflects increased central venous pressure and is commonly seen in clients receiving excessive IV fluids or those with heart failure.
C. Weight loss. IV fluid therapy is intended to increase intravascular volume, and adverse effects are usually related to fluid retention, not loss. Weight gain, not weight loss, would indicate fluid overload.
D. Bradycardia. An increased, not decreased, heart rate (tachycardia) is typically seen with fluid volume excess or in response to fluid shifts. Bradycardia is not a common adverse effect of IV fluid therapy.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. The nurse cannot adjust IV antibiotic schedules solely for convenience, as consistent timing is necessary to maintain therapeutic drug levels.
B. Infusing vancomycin at a faster rate is unsafe and increases the risk of complications such as red man syndrome.
C. This is incorrect because the 2-hour administration window applies to non–time-critical medications. IV antibiotics like vancomycin are time-critical and must be given within 30 minutes of the scheduled time.
D. Time-critical medications, such as IV antibiotics, must be administered within 30 minutes before or after the scheduled time, making this the most accurate response.

Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"B","dropdown-group-2":"E"}

Explanation

  • Tocolytic medication: Tocolytics are used to suppress preterm labor, which is not applicable for this postpartum client. There is no indication of uterine contractions needing suppression.
  • Intravenous antibiotic: The client exhibits signs of postpartum endometritis—including fever, uterine tenderness, foul-smelling lochia, and a very high WBC count (33,000/mm³). These findings strongly support the need for IV antibiotics to treat the infection.
  • Intrauterine tamponade balloon: This device is used for managing postpartum hemorrhage, which is not present in this case. The client’s lochia is moderate, not excessive, and her uterus is responding to massage.
  • Kleihauer-Betke test: This test is used to detect fetal-to-maternal hemorrhage, particularly in Rh-negative mothers after trauma or potential placental separation. It is not relevant in the context of postpartum infection.
  • Increase in daily fluid intake: The client is febrile and shows signs of systemic infection. Increased fluids support hydration, promote recovery, and help manage the effects of fever and infection, making this an appropriate supportive measure.

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