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?

Choice A Reason:

Place on airborne precautions. This is incorrect. Tinea corporis isn't transmitted through the air. Airborne precautions are specific infection control measures for diseases transmitted through airborne particles, like tuberculosis or measles, which are caused by specific bacteria or viruses.

Choice B Reason:

Avoid direct contact is correct. Direct contact is a crucial precaution to prevent the spread of tinea corporis. It's a contagious infection, often transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or by sharing contaminated items such as clothing, towels, or bedding. Encouraging precautions like not sharing personal items and avoiding direct skin contact helps prevent the spread of the infection to others.

Choice C Reason:

Isolate for 24 hr. after lesions appear is incorrect. While it's essential to take precautions to prevent spread, isolating for only 24 hours after lesions appear might not be sufficient. The infection can remain contagious until it's effectively treated and lesions have resolved. More extended isolation or precautions might be necessary until the infection is no longer transmissible.

Choice D Reason:

Administer a broad-spectrum antibiotic is incorrect. Tinea corporis is a fungal infection, not a bacterial one, so antibiotics would not be effective against it. Antifungal medications, such as topical or oral antifungals, are the primary treatment for tinea corporis. Using an antibiotic would not treat the fungal infection and might lead to inappropriate medication use.

Choice A Reason:

Elevate the head of the client's bed for 1 hr. after the feeding is appropriate. This action helps minimize the risk of aspiration. Elevating the head of the bed (typically at least 30 to 45 degrees) can reduce the chance of reflux and aspiration of the feeding solution into the lungs. This position should ideally be maintained for about 1 hour after the feeding to aid digestion and reduce the risk of complications.

Choice B Reason:

Administering the feeding solution at a cold temperature is inappropriate. Feeding solutions are generally administered at room temperature or slightly warmed to prevent discomfort and minimize the risk of altering the client's core body temperature. Cold temperatures can cause discomfort or cramping and might affect the absorption of the nutrients. Therefore, administering the feeding solution at a cold temperature is not recommended.

Choice C Reason:

Rotating the jejunostomy tube once per day is inappropriate. Rotating the jejunostomy tube is not typically part of routine care. Tube rotation can cause discomfort, irritation, and potential injury to the gastrointestinal tract. Tubes should be secured properly to prevent movement but not rotated unless specifically instructed by a healthcare provider for a particular reason, such as checking for proper tube placement.

Choice D Reason:

Flushing the tube with 90 ml of sterile water before and after the feeding is inappropriate.

Flushing the tube with sterile water before and after the feeding helps ensure the patency of the tube and prevents clogging. It's a standard procedure to clear the tube and maintain its function.