A nurse is caring for a client who has a peripheral IV infusion and notes that the client's arm is edematous, cool, and tender at the catheter insertion site. Which of the following complications of IV therapy should the nurse suspect?
Nerve damage
Infection
Infiltration
Phlebitis
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Nerve damage is incorrect. Nerve damage typically presents with symptoms such as altered sensation, numbness, tingling, or shooting pain along the path of the nerve. The symptoms described in the scenario are more indicative of localized inflammation rather than nerve-related issues.
Choice B Reason:
Infection is incorrect. Infection at the insertion site can manifest with redness, warmth, tenderness, and possibly purulent drainage. While infection is a potential complication of IV therapy, the symptoms described might indicate a different issue.
Choice C Reason:
Infiltration is correct. Infiltration occurs when the IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissues. Symptoms often include swelling, coolness, and tenderness at the site due to the fluid accumulating in the tissue instead of going into the vein. These symptoms align with the description provided.
Choice D Reason:
Phlebitis is incorrect. Phlebitis is the inflammation of a vein, typically presenting with redness, warmth, and tenderness along the vein's path.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Experiences nocturia is incorrect. Nocturia (waking up at night to urinate) is a common symptom and, while it's important to address for the client's comfort and potential underlying causes, it doesn't pose an immediate risk to the client's roommate or necessitate urgent intervention in a shared room setting.
Choice B Reason:
History of generalized anxiety disorder is incorrect. A history of generalized anxiety disorder is relevant to the client's mental health and overall care. However, in the context of a shared room, it might not require immediate attention or interventions that directly impact the roommate's health or safety.
Choice C Reason:
Recent exposure to tuberculosis is correct. Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. In a shared room, a history of recent exposure to TB is a significant concern as it poses a potential risk to both the client and the roommate. Immediate measures to prevent transmission and ensure proper isolation protocols are necessary to protect the health of both individuals in the shared space.
Choice D Reason:
Reports periodic migraine headaches is correct.
Periodic migraine headaches are a health concern for the client experiencing them, but they typically do not pose an immediate risk or concern for the client's roommate. While addressing pain management is important, it might not require immediate action in the shared room environment.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
"I will apply heat to my affected ankle to decrease swelling." Heat application is generally not recommended for acute injuries like ankle sprains. Heat can increase blood flow and potentially worsen swelling. Cold therapy (like ice) is typically advised in the early stages to reduce inflammation and swelling.
Choice B Reason:
"I can bear full weight on my affected ankle." For a grade 2 ankle sprain, bearing full weight on the affected ankle might not be advisable initially. Grade 2 sprains involve partial tearing of ligaments and usually require some period of rest or limited weight-bearing to allow healing.
Choice C Reason:
"I can dangle my affected ankle from the edge of the bed. “Dangling the affected ankle from the edge of the bed is a common recommendation to help with gentle movement and improve blood flow without putting excessive stress on the injured ankle. This activity can aid in the recovery process and is often recommended.
Choice D Reason:
"I will wrap my affected ankle with an elastic bandage. “Wrapping the affected ankle with an elastic bandage is a supportive measure recommended for managing ankle sprains. It helps provide compression, support, and stabilization to the injured area, assisting in reducing swelling and providing comfort.
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