A nurse is caring for a client with a peripheral IV catheter in place. The client complains of tenderness and a palpable, cord-like structure along the vein. The nurse should suspect which complication of IV therapy?

A) This choice is incorrect because administering the medication as prescribed may exacerbate the allergic reaction and is not safe without further assessment and medical guidance.

B) This choice is correct. The client's statement about being allergic to penicillin and experiencing itchiness in the throat suggests a potential allergic reaction. The nurse should withhold the medication and promptly notify the healthcare provider to assess the client's allergic response and determine an alternative course of action.

C) This choice is not the priority action. While assessing the severity of the itchiness is important, the nurse's priority is to withhold the medication and notify the healthcare provider about the potential allergic reaction.

D) This choice is incorrect because administering an antihistamine before notifying the healthcare provider may mask the symptoms of the allergic reaction and delay appropriate management.

A) This choice is incorrect because phlebitis is characterized by redness, warmth, and swelling around the insertion site, not blanching of the skin.

B) This choice is correct. The client's symptoms of a cool sensation, swelling, and blanching of the skin are indicative of infiltration, which occurs when IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissues.

C) This choice is incorrect because fluid overload is not associated with local symptoms around the insertion site.

D) This choice is incorrect because catheter occlusion may affect the IV flow rate, but it does not typically cause the symptoms described by the client.