A nurse is collecting data from a client who is receiving continuous IV fluids in their left forearm. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of infiltration at the IV infusion site? (Select all that apply.)
The client's left arm is cool to the touch.
The client's left arm is swollen.
There is a red streak up the client's left arm.
The client reports tenderness at the IV insertion site.
The client reports cramping above the insertion site.
Correct Answer : A,B
A. The client's left arm is cool to the touch. Infiltration occurs when IV fluid leaks into surrounding tissues, leading to decreased circulation in the area. This results in a cool sensation due to the presence of the fluid outside the vein.
B. The client's left arm is swollen. Swelling occurs as IV fluid accumulates in the surrounding tissues instead of remaining in the vein. This is a common sign of infiltration and indicates that the IV site should be assessed and possibly discontinued.
C. There is a red streak up the client's left arm. A red streak is more indicative of phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein rather than infiltration. Phlebitis often results from irritation due to the IV catheter or the infusing solution.
D. The client reports tenderness at the IV insertion site. Tenderness alone is not a definitive sign of infiltration, as it can also occur with phlebitis or mechanical irritation from the IV catheter. Additional signs such as swelling and coolness are better indicators.
E. The client reports cramping above the insertion site. Cramping is not typically associated with infiltration. It is more commonly seen with certain IV medications that can irritate the vein or cause venous spasm rather than leakage of IV fluids into the tissues.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "You should only drink 2 cups of coffee per day." While limiting coffee intake can be beneficial for some individuals with GERD, the recommendation should focus on overall caffeine intake rather than a specific amount. Caffeine can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and exacerbate symptoms, so some individuals may need to eliminate it entirely.
B. "You should eat three large meals and two snacks per day." Eating large meals can increase intra-abdominal pressure and exacerbate GERD symptoms. Instead, clients should be encouraged to eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to help minimize reflux.
C. "You should lay down for 1 hour following a meal." Laying down after eating can increase the likelihood of reflux and heartburn. Clients should be advised to remain upright for at least 2 to 3 hours after meals to help prevent symptoms.
D. "You should elevate the head of the bed while sleeping." Elevating the head of the bed is a recommended practice for clients with GERD. This position can help prevent nighttime reflux by allowing gravity to keep stomach acid from rising into the esophagus, thereby reducing symptoms and improving sleep quality.
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"A"}
Explanation
- Endoscopy is the most appropriate diagnostic tool to visualize the gastrointestinal tract directly when gastrointestinal bleeding is suspected. Given the client’s symptoms of gnawing abdominal pain, radiation of pain to the back, and a positive Hemoccult stool test Endoscopy will help confirm this diagnosis and allow for appropriate treatment.
- Positive Hemoccult stool indicates the presence of occult blood, which is a hallmark sign of gastrointestinal bleeding. In this case, the presence of blood in the stool aligns with the client’s symptoms of abdominal pain and possible peptic ulcer disease, often linked with H. pylori infection. The positive Hemoccult stool test justifies the need for endoscopy to identify the source of bleeding and guide further management.
- Barium swallow. A barium swallow can detect structural abnormalities like strictures, tumors, or achalasia in the esophagus but is not as effective as endoscopy in diagnosing peptic ulcers or evaluating gastrointestinal bleeding. In this case, endoscopy is the preferred diagnostic method as it provides direct visualization of ulcers or other lesions in the stomach or duodenum.
- CT scan. While a CT scan can be helpful in assessing for abdominal issues like perforation or obstruction, it is not the first choice for diagnosing peptic ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding. Endoscopy provides a more targeted and effective approach for visualizing the gastrointestinal tract and identifying the source of the bleeding.
- Surgical intervention.Surgical intervention is typically reserved for severe cases where there is gastrointestinal perforation or uncontrollable bleeding. In this case, the client has not yet shown signs of perforation or hemorrhagic shock that would require immediate surgery. Initial diagnostic tests, such as endoscopy, are needed before surgical consideration.
- WBC count of 6,700/mm³. The client’s WBC count is within the normal range (5,000 to 10,000/mm³), suggesting no current acute infection. While inflammation could be indicated in cases of ulcers or gastritis, the normal WBC count in this case does not raise immediate concern for infection. It is unlikely to directly influence the need for endoscopy, which is guided primarily by the clinical presentation and positive Hemoccult stool result.
- Hemoglobin of 9.1 g/dL, Hematocrit of 27%. The low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels indicate anemia, which is often caused by chronic blood loss. This aligns with the positive Hemoccult stool test, which suggests that the client is losing blood through the gastrointestinal tract, possibly due to a peptic ulcer. This finding supports the need for endoscopy to investigate the cause of the bleeding and assess the need for treatment such as blood transfusions or iron supplementation.
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