An 87-year-old patient recovering from abdominal surgery has a continuous intravenous infusion to supply nutrients and antibiotics. What complication should you suspect when signs and symptoms of redness, warmth, and pain at the infusion site are reported?

Hematoma

Phlebitis

Speed Shock

Thrombosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Hematoma: A hematoma typically results from bleeding into the tissue, causing swelling and bruising at the infusion site, but it doesn't usually cause warmth or pain in the same way as phlebitis.

B. Phlebitis: Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein, commonly caused by an IV catheter or medication, and it often presents with redness, warmth, pain, and swelling at the infusion site. It is the most likely complication here.

C. Speed Shock: Speed shock occurs when a medication or fluid is administered too rapidly, causing symptoms such as dizziness, chest tightness, and hypotension, not localized symptoms like redness and pain at the infusion site.

D. Thrombosis: Thrombosis refers to the formation of a blood clot within a vein, which can cause swelling, warmth, and discomfort but would also likely involve more significant blockage and would be associated with reduced blood flow, not just localized redness and pain.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. The patient can experience speed shock: Speed shock is a rapid infusion of a substance (like a medication or fluid) into the bloodstream, usually occurring when the infusion rate is too fast. This is not typically caused by flushing a clotted cannula.

B. A clot can be forced into the circulation causing serious complications: Flushing a clotted cannula too aggressively can dislodge a clot, causing it to travel into the bloodstream. This can lead to serious complications like embolism or stroke, especially if the clot is large or travels to a vital organ.

C. A painful arterial spasm can occur: While arterial spasms can occur, they are more often related to arterial catheterization or manipulation rather than flushing a venous cannula.

D. The catheter can become dislodged and fall out: While this could potentially happen, it is less of a concern compared to the risk of pushing a clot into circulation, which is a more immediate danger.

A. Potassium chloride B. Acetylcysteine C. Sodium polystyrene D. Potassium iodide

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Potassium chloride: Potassium chloride is used to treat hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia.

B. Acetylcysteine: This medication is not used to treat potassium imbalances. It is primarily used to treat acetaminophen overdose or to thin mucus in respiratory conditions.

C. Sodium polystyrene: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) is used to treat hyperkalemia by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestines, helping to lower serum potassium levels.

D. Potassium iodide: Potassium iodide is used in thyroid conditions (such as thyroid storm) or radiation exposure and is not used to manage potassium levels.

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An 87-year-old patient recovering from abdominal surgery has a continuous intravenous infusion to supply nutrients and antibiotics. What complication should you suspect when signs and symptoms of redness, warmth, and pain at the infusion site are reported?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which of the following complications can occur if a clotted cannula is flushed too aggressively?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client whose serum potassium level is 5.3 mEq/L (3.5-5 mEq/L). The nurse should anticipate a prescription for which of the following medications?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a group of patients. Which patient is at highest risk for hypovolemia?

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