A nurse is starting an IV infusion for a client and observes that the IV catheter has punctured the vein and fluid is leaking into the surrounding tissues. The client complains of burning pain at the insertion site. Which complication of IV therapy should the nurse suspect?
Infiltration
Phlebitis
Fluid overload
Extravasation
The Correct Answer is D
A) This choice is incorrect because infiltration involves the inadvertent administration of IV fluid into the surrounding tissues, not puncturing the vein. Burning pain is not typically associated with infiltration.
B) This choice is incorrect because phlebitis is characterized by redness, warmth, and swelling around the insertion site, not fluid leakage and burning pain.
C) This choice is incorrect because fluid overload is not related to the puncture of the vein and leakage of IV fluid. Symptoms of fluid overload include dyspnea, elevated blood pressure, and jugular vein distention.
D) This choice is correct. The nurse should suspect extravasation, which occurs when IV fluid or medication leaks into the surrounding tissues due to catheter puncture. Burning pain and discomfort at the insertion site are common symptoms of extravasation.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because phlebitis typically presents with redness and warmth around the insertion site, but it does not cause a painful, red streak along the arm.
B) This choice is incorrect because infiltration is characterized by swelling and blanching of the skin near the IV site, not a painful, red streak.
C) This choice is correct. The client's symptoms of a painful, warm, and red streak along the arm near the IV site are indicative of thrombophlebitis, which is the inflammation of a vein associated with the formation of a blood clot.
D) This choice is incorrect because fluid overload is not associated with a painful, warm, and red streak along the arm.
Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because phlebitis does not present with symptoms of dyspnea, chest pain, and cyanosis.
B) This choice is incorrect because infiltration does not cause sudden onset dyspnea, chest pain, and cyanosis. Infiltration involves localized symptoms around the insertion site.
C) This choice is incorrect because fluid overload does not typically cause sudden onset dyspnea, chest pain, and cyanosis.
D) This choice is correct. The client's symptoms of sudden onset dyspnea, chest pain, and cyanosis are indicative of a pulmonary embolism, which occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs. This can be a life-threatening complication of IV therapy, especially in clients receiving antibiotics who are at higher risk for clot formation.
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