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

Answer and Explanation

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.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) This choice is incorrect because elevating the client's arm may not address the underlying complication of infiltration. The nurse's priority is to discontinue the IV infusion to prevent further complications.

B) This choice is incorrect because applying a warm compress is not the priority action. The nurse should first discontinue the IV infusion to assess the site and determine appropriate interventions.

C) This choice is correct. The client's symptoms of pain, burning, redness, swelling, and coolness around the insertion site are indicative of infiltration, which occurs when IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissues. The nurse's priority is to discontinue the IV infusion to prevent further complications and assess the site for potential tissue damage.

D) This choice is incorrect because administering an analgesic may provide temporary pain relief, but it does not address the underlying complication of infiltration. The nurse should first discontinue the IV infusion and assess the site for potential complications.

A. Phlebitis B. Infiltration C. Fluid overload D. Pulmonary embolism

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.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client receiving IV fluids. The client complains of pain, burning, and redness at the insertion site. Upon assessment, the nurse notes swelling and coolness around the site. What is the nurse's priority action?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client receiving IV antibiotics develops sudden onset dyspnea, chest pain, and cyanosis. The nurse should suspect which complication of IV therapy?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client receiving IV medication complains of sudden chest pain, dyspnea, and tachycardia. The nurse should recognize these symptoms as potential signs of which complication of IV therapy?

A client receiving IV therapy complains of pain and burning at the insertion site. The nurse notices the skin turning red and becoming tender. Which action should the nurse take first?

A nurse is caring for a client with an IV catheter in place for medication administration. The nurse notes swelling and coolness around the insertion site. Which complication of IV therapy should the nurse suspect?

A nurse is preparing to administer IV medications to a client. What should the nurse do to prevent medication incompatibilities during IV therapy?

A nurse is assessing a client receiving IV fluids and notes the presence of fever, chills, and confusion. The client's blood pressure is low, and the skin appears mottled. The nurse should recognize these symptoms as potential signs of which complication?

A nurse is caring for a client with a peripheral IV catheter in place. The client reports tenderness, warmth, and swelling along the vein path. The nurse should suspect which complication of IV therapy?

A client receiving IV therapy suddenly develops shortness of breath, chest pain, and rapid heart rate. The nurse should suspect which complication and take immediate action?