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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Increased bowel sounds: Hypokalemia typically causes decreased bowel activity, leading to constipation or paralytic ileus, rather than increased bowel sounds.
B. Reports of fatigue: Fatigue is a hallmark symptom of hypokalemia due to impaired cellular and muscle function.
C. Positive Trousseau's sign: This is associated with hypocalcemia, not hypokalemia.
D. Reports of numbness in the feet: This is more commonly linked with neuropathy or hypocalcemia, not hypokalemia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Skeletal muscle weakness: This is more commonly seen with hypercalcemia, not hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia typically causes neuromuscular irritability, which manifests as muscle spasms rather than weakness.
B. Decreased deep-tendon reflexes: This is more commonly seen with hypercalcemia. Hypocalcemia typically increases neuromuscular irritability and can cause hyperactive reflexes.
C. Tingling of the lips: This is a classic sign of hypocalcemia, as low calcium levels can lead to neuromuscular excitability, which can cause sensations like tingling (paresthesia) around the lips and fingers.
D. Hypoactive bowel sounds: Hypocalcemia typically increases bowel motility, which can lead to hyperactive bowel sounds, not hypoactive bowel sounds.
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