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:
Informing the client of the adverse effect of diarrhea is less common with clonidine use, especially in comparison to other side effects like dry mouth or skin irritation.
Choice B Reason:
Monitoring for weight loss isn't a primary concern specifically associated with transdermal clonidine use.
Choice C Reason:
Advise the client about increased dry mouth. Dry mouth is a common adverse effect of clonidine, including the transdermal form. Patients should be informed about this so they can manage it effectively, for example, by drinking plenty of water or using sugar-free gum or candy to stimulate saliva production.
Choice D Reason:
Hypopigmentation is not a commonly reported issue with transdermal clonidine patches. However, local skin irritation or rash can occur at the site of the patch.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
A client whose injection site is scabbed is incorrect. Scabbing at the injection site does not provide information about the presence or absence of induration. It doesn't contribute to interpreting the test result directly.
Choice B Reason:
A client whose injection site is firm and measures 3 mm (0.1 in) is incorrect. A measurement of 3 mm of induration is generally considered a negative result for most individuals, including those without any risk factors for tuberculosis (TB).
Choice C Reason:
A client whose injection site has an elevated area measuring 15 mm (0.6 is correct. An area of induration measuring 15 mm or more is considered positive in individuals with no known risk factors for TB.
Choice D Reason:
A client whose injection site is ecchymotic is incorrect. Ecchymosis (bruising) at the injection site is not relevant to the interpretation of the tuberculin skin test. It does not contribute to determining a positive or negative result.
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