During a clinical rotation on an orthopedic unit, a nursing student is caring for a 67-year-old patient who has undergone a knee replacement. The patient is complaining of pain at the IV site. The nursing student assesses the site and finds that the site is cool, blanched and slightly swollen. The student stops the IV and reports the situation to the nurse. What does the nursing student suspect?

Infiltration

Local inflammation

Thrombophlebitis

Phlebitis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Infiltration occurs when IV fluid or medication leaks into the surrounding tissues rather than entering the vein. Coolness, blanching (pale appearance), swelling, and discomfort at the IV site are common signs of infiltration.

B. Local inflammation at the IV site can occur due to irritation or infection. Redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, and possibly purulent drainage (pus) are typical signs. The description of a cool and blanched IV site does not fit the typical signs of inflammation, which usually involve warmth and redness.

C. Thrombophlebitis is inflammation of a vein with associated blood clot formation. Pain, warmth, redness, and swelling along the path of the vein are common. Thrombophlebitis typically presents with warmth and redness at the site, whereas the cool and blanched appearance described by the student suggests fluid infiltration rather than a thrombus causing inflammation.

D. Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein itself. Pain, redness, warmth, and swelling directly over the vein. Phlebitis usually manifests with warmth and redness, which are not present in the described symptoms.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

B. This method is recommended because the deltoid muscle is a large, rounded, triangular muscle that covers the shoulder joint.

A. This description is for locating the vastus lateralis muscle, which is commonly used for intramuscular injections in infants and young children, not adults.

C. This technique is used for locating the rectus femoris muscle, another site for intramuscular injections in infants and young children, not adults.

D. This location is too low, which could miss the muscle tissue and reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine.

A. Ask the provider to prescribe diphenhydramine as a precaution. B. Confirm with the client that the reaction he had was truly anaphylaxis. C. Administer the medication. D. Notify the provider to request a different antibiotic.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

D. The nurse should promptly notify the healthcare provider to discuss the allergy history and request an alternative antibiotic that is not structurally related to penicillin or cephalosporins. Examples of alternative antibiotics may include antibiotics from different classes such as macrolides or fluoroquinolones, depending on the indication and sensitivity profile.

A. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is an antihistamine that can help manage allergic reactions. However, it should not be used as a standalone precautionary measure for a client with a history of anaphylaxis to penicillin. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can lead to life-threatening symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling, and low blood pressure.

B. Before taking any further steps, the nurse should clarify and confirm the nature and severity of the client's allergic reaction to penicillin. Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction characterized by rapid onset and potentially life-threatening symptoms. Clarifying the history ensures accurate decision- making regarding the administration of cephalexin.

C. This is not recommended without further clarification and assessment. Given the history of anaphylaxis to penicillin, there is a significant risk of cross-reactivity with cephalosporins like cephalexin. Cephalosporins have a structural similarity to penicillin and can provoke allergic reactions in individuals with penicillin allergy, including anaphylaxis.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is preparing to administer the hepatitis B vaccine to a client. Which of the following techniques should the nurse use to locate the deltoid muscle?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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