A nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving continuous IV fluid therapy via a peripheral vein in the left forearm. Which of the following findings indicates that the client has developed phlebitis at the IV site?
Erythema along the path of the vein
Coolness of the client's left forearm
Pallor of the client's left forearm
Pitting edema at the insertion site
The Correct Answer is A
The development of erythema (redness) along the path of the vein indicates phlebitis at the IV site. Phlebitis refers to inflammation of the vein, often caused by irritation or infection. When phlebitis occurs, the vein becomes inflamed and can appear red, warm, and tender to touch. Erythema is a characteristic sign of phlebitis and suggests that the client's IV site has become irritated or infected.
Let's now discuss why the other
Options are not the correct answers:
- Coolness of the client's left forearm: Coolness of the forearm is not typically associated with phlebitis. Instead, it may suggest compromised blood flow to the area, such as arterial insufficiency, rather than inflammation of the vein.
- Pallor of the client's left forearm: Pallor, or paleness, of the forearm is not a typical finding in phlebitis. It usually indicates reduced blood flow or decreased oxygenation to the area, which can be caused by factors other than inflammation of the vein.
- Pitting edema at the insertion site: Pitting edema refers to the indentation that remains when pressure is applied to an area of swelling and then release. While edema can occur at the insertion site of an IV, it is not a specific indicator of phlebitis. Edema can result from multiple causes, such as fluid overload or localized inflammation, and its presence does not necessarily confirm the presence of phlebitis.
In summary, the presence of erythema along the path of the vein is the finding that indicates the development of phlebitis at the IV site. This redness suggests inflammation of the vein, which can be caused by various factors including irritation or infection. The other
Options, such as coolness of the forearm, pallor of the forearm, or pitting edema at the insertion site, are not specific indicators of phlebitis and may be associated with different underlying conditions or factors.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is that the nurse should dangle the client's arm over the edge of the bed to help dilate the vein. This technique uses gravity to increase blood flow to the arm and dilate the veins, making it easier to insert a peripheral IV catheter.
Options b, c and d are not effective techniques for dilating a vein for IV insertion. Stroking the skin near the vein in an upward direction, instructing the client to flex their arm with the hand open and applying a cool compress to the vein for 10 min are not effective methods for dilating a vein.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
When completing a dressing change on a client who has a surgical wound drain, the nurse should use a separate, sterile swab for each stroke when cleaning the wound. This helps to prevent the spread of infection and ensures that the wound is properly cleaned.
Option b is incorrect because the nurse should first clean the incision and then clean the drain site.
Option c is incorrect because the nurse should don sterile gloves before cleaning the wound.
Option d is incorrect because the nurse should not cut a 4 x 4 piece of gauze to place around the drain site; instead, the nurse should use a pre-cut drain sponge.
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