A nurse is caring for an 8-month-old infant who is receiving intravenous (IV) fluids via a 24-gauge catheter. Which of the following statements by the client's mother indicates that the nurse should check the site for signs of infiltration?
"There's blood backing up my baby's IV tubing."
"My baby's fingers are looking swollen."
"There's a long red streak up my baby's arm."
"The tape is coming off the IV needle."
The Correct Answer is B
B. Swelling around the IV site or in the extremity (such as the fingers) can be a sign of infiltration. This occurs because the IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissues, causing localized swelling.
A. Blood backing up in the IV tubing could indicate issues like a clot in the line or a slow flow rate, but it does not specifically suggest infiltration. It might prompt the nurse to check for other issues such as patency of the IV line or the need for flushing.
C. A long red streak up the arm could indicate inflammation or infection along the vein (phlebitis) rather than infiltration. Phlebitis can be caused by mechanical irritation, chemical irritation from the IV fluids, or infection.
D. Tape coming off the IV needle suggests a need for re-securing the IV, but it does not directly indicate infiltration. However, if the tape is coming off, it's important to check the entire IV site to ensure the catheter is still properly inserted and there are no signs of infiltration or dislodgment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Cleansing the injection site is important to reduce the risk of infection.
B. Sterile gloves are not typically required for administering subcutaneous injections unless there is a specific indication, such as when dealing with a client who has a compromised immune system or if there is potential for exposure to bodily fluids.
C. Pinching the skin can help in creating a fold where the needle can be inserted. However, there is no standard recommendation on which hand should be used.
D. Subcutaneous injections are typically administered at a 45-degree or 90-degree angle to the client's skin, depending on the amount of subcutaneous tissue present.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Muscle weakness is a hallmark sign of hypokalemia. Potassium is crucial for proper muscle contraction, and low levels can impair muscle function. This weakness can affect skeletal muscles (resulting in fatigue, cramps, or generalized weakness) as well as smooth muscles (contributing to constipation or other gastrointestinal symptoms).
A. Hypokalemia is not typically associated with hyperactive bowel sounds.
B. Cerebral edema is not typically associated with hypokalemia. Instead, cerebral edema can occur with conditions such as hyponatremia (low sodium levels) or other metabolic disturbances.
C. Hypokalemia is more commonly associated with hypotension (low blood pressure) rather than hypertension. Low potassium levels can affect vascular smooth muscle tone, potentially leading to vasodilation and hypotension.
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