The nurse is caring for a client receiving an intravenous medication that is a vesicant. The IV flow has stopped and there is pain, burning and swelling at the IV site. What action should the nurse take first?

Elevate the extremity on a pillow

Immediately remove the catheter

Keep the catheter in place

Place a cool compress on the area

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

B. When a client experiences symptoms of extravasation, such as pain, burning, and swelling, especially with a vesicant medication, the priority is to stop the infusion and remove the catheter immediately to prevent further tissue damage. Removing the catheter promptly helps minimize the amount of medication that may have leaked into the surrounding tissues.
A. Elevating the extremity on a pillow may help reduce swelling and discomfort in some cases, but it is not the first action the nurse should take when a vesicant medication has caused pain, burning, and swelling at the IV site.
C. Keeping the catheter in place is not advisable when extravasation has occurred, especially with a vesicant medication. Continuing the infusion could lead to further tissue damage and exacerbate the client's symptoms. Removing the catheter is necessary to prevent additional medication from entering the surrounding tissues.
D. While applying a cool compress may provide temporary relief from discomfort, it is not the first action the nurse should take when managing extravasation caused by a vesicant medication. The priority is to stop the infusion, remove the catheter, and assess the extent of tissue damage. Cool compresses may be used after the catheter removal to help reduce swelling and discomfort.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. In respiratory alkalosis, the pH is elevated (alkalotic), the PaCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) is decreased (hypocapnia), and the HCO3 (bicarbonate) level may be within normal limits or slightly decreased due to compensatory mechanisms. In this option, the pH is elevated (7.54), the PaCO2 is decreased (25), and the HCO3 level is within normal limits (24). These findings support respiratory alkalosis.
B. pH 7.50, PaCO2 40, HCO3 28: In this option, the pH is elevated (7.50), the PaCO2 is within normal limits (40), and the HCO3 level is elevated (28). These findings are not consistent with respiratory alkalosis. Instead, they suggest metabolic alkalosis, where both the pH and bicarbonate levels are elevated.
C. pH 7.35, PaCO2 35, HCO3 22: In this option, the pH is within normal limits (7.35), the PaCO2 is within normal limits (35), and the HCO3 level is within normal limits (22). These findings are not consistent with respiratory alkalosis.
D. pH 7.32. PaCO2 48, HCO3 24: In respiratory alkalosis, the pH is elevated (alkalotic), the PaCO2 is decreased (hypocapnia), and the HCO3 level may be within normal limits or slightly decreased due to compensatory mechanisms. In this option, the pH is within normal limits (7.32), the PaCO2 is elevated (48), and the HCO3 level is within normal limits (24). These findings are not consistent with respiratory alkalosis.

A. Warmth and palpable cord along the vein B. A raised ecchymotic painful area C. Swelling and tenderness at the site D. Blanching and coolness of surrounding skin

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. These are indicative of inflammation within the vein, which is characteristic of phlebitis. Warmth is a common sign of inflammation, and the palpable cord suggests that the vein may be hardened or cord- like due to inflammation and irritation.
B. While this could indicate some form of vascular injury or extravasation, it is not a typical presentation of phlebitis. Phlebitis involves inflammation of the vein, which may cause redness, warmth, and tenderness along the course of the vein, but it typically does not manifest as a raised ecchymotic (bruised) area.
C. Swelling occurs due to inflammation within the vein, and tenderness is often present as a result of the irritation and inflammation. These symptoms are commonly observed in cases of phlebitis but are not specific.
D. These are not typical signs of phlebitis. Blanching (turning white) and coolness of the skin may suggest reduced blood flow to the area, which could occur in cases of ischemia or thrombosis but are not characteristic of phlebitis.

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The nurse is caring for a client receiving an intravenous medication that is a vesicant. The IV flow has stopped and there is pain, burning and swelling at the IV site. What action should the nurse take first?

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