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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?

A.

Nerve damage

B.

Infection

C.

Infiltration

D.

Phlebitis

Answer and Explanation

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. 


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

"I can have clear liquids up to 3 hours before the procedure." This is incorrect. Clients are usually instructed to be NPO (nothing by mouth) for a certain period before the procedure, typically 6-8 hours, to reduce the risk of aspiration.

Choice B Reason:

"I can eat as soon as the procedure is completed." This is incorrect. Clients should not eat or drink until the gag reflex returns, which can take a few hours after the procedure.

Choice C Reason:

"I will receive an injection of radioactive material prior to having the procedure.” This is incorrect. An injection of radioactive material is not part of a bronchoscopy. This might be confused with a different diagnostic procedure, such as a PET scan.

Choice D Reason:

"I might have blood-tinged sputum after the procedure." This statement indicates an understanding of the teaching. It is common for clients to have a small amount of blood-tinged sputum following a bronchoscopy due to the irritation caused by the procedure.

Correct Answer is A, B, C, D, E

Explanation

A. Cleanse the site with an antiseptic swab: Begin by cleaning the puncture site to reduce the risk of infection. B. Allow the site to dry: Let the antiseptic dry completely to prevent contamination or dilution of the blood sample. C. Pierce the puncture site quickly: Use a lancet to pierce the skin in one swift motion to minimize discomfort. D. Squeeze the site gently to obtain a blood droplet: Gently apply pressure to the site to encourage a droplet of blood to form. E. Apply blood to the test strip: Once the blood droplet forms, apply it to the test strip for analysis.

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