A nurse is caring for a client who is taking azathioprine to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the following laboratory values indicates an adverse effect of this medication?

A. Discard the medication if it is yellow: Amphotericin B lipid complex is typically yellow in color. This is a normal characteristic of the medication, and it should not be discarded based on color. The nurse should be aware of the expected color and administer the medication as prescribed.
B. Administer the medication over 2 hr: Amphotericin B lipid complex is often administered over an extended period (usually over 2 to 6 hours) to minimize the risk of infusion-related reactions. However, if the prescription specifies an intermittent IV bolus, the nurse should follow the prescribed administration route and rate.
C. Prime the tubing with 0.9% sodium chloride (Correct Answer): Amphotericin B lipid complex can interact with dextrose-containing solutions, leading to the formation of a precipitate. Therefore, it is recommended to prime the IV tubing with 0.9% sodium chloride before administering the medication to prevent any potential interaction.
D. Use a gravity flow set: The choice of infusion set may depend on the specific institutional policies and the patient's condition. However, using a pump or a controlled infusion device is often recommended when administering medications like amphotericin B to ensure accurate infusion rates and reduce the risk of adverse reactions.

A. Infiltration:
Infiltration refers to the inadvertent administration of a non-vesicant solution into the surrounding tissue. It is characterized by swelling, pallor, and coolness at the infusion site, but redness and inflammation along the vein are not typical signs of infiltration.
B. Extravasation:
Extravasation occurs when a vesicant solution (a substance that can cause tissue damage) infiltrates into the surrounding tissue. It can cause tissue damage and necrosis. While inflammation is a concern with extravasation, it is not the primary sign, and redness may occur later.
C. Venous spasm:
Venous spasm involves the constriction of the blood vessel, leading to decreased blood flow. It is not typically associated with redness and inflammation along the vein.
D. Phlebitis:
This is the correct answer. Phlebitis refers to inflammation of a vein, and it is characterized by redness, warmth, and tenderness along the course of the vein. Phlebitis can be caused by various factors, including irritants in the infused solution, mechanical trauma, or infection.