During a clinical rotation on an orthopedic unit, a nursing student is caring for a 67-year-old patient who has undergone a knee replacement. The patient is complaining of pain at the IV site. The nursing student assesses the site and finds that the site is cool, blanched and slightly swollen. The student stops the IV and reports the situation to the nurse. What does the nursing student suspect?

Infiltration

Local inflammation

Thrombophlebitis

Phlebitis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Infiltration occurs when IV fluid or medication leaks into the surrounding tissues rather than entering the vein. Coolness, blanching (pale appearance), swelling, and discomfort at the IV site are common signs of infiltration.

B. Local inflammation at the IV site can occur due to irritation or infection. Redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, and possibly purulent drainage (pus) are typical signs. The description of a cool and blanched IV site does not fit the typical signs of inflammation, which usually involve warmth and redness.

C. Thrombophlebitis is inflammation of a vein with associated blood clot formation. Pain, warmth, redness, and swelling along the path of the vein are common. Thrombophlebitis typically presents with warmth and redness at the site, whereas the cool and blanched appearance described by the student suggests fluid infiltration rather than a thrombus causing inflammation.

D. Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein itself. Pain, redness, warmth, and swelling directly over the vein. Phlebitis usually manifests with warmth and redness, which are not present in the described symptoms.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

B. Daily weight measurements are a practical and effective method to assess fluid balance. Changes in weight can reflect fluid retention or loss. Daily weighing is particularly useful for monitoring fluid status in patients with known or suspected fluid excess. It helps detect trends over time and guides adjustments in fluid management.

A. While diagnostic tests are crucial for assessing underlying causes and complications of fluid imbalance, they do not directly provide a real-time assessment of fluid balance or volume overload.

C. Monitoring IV fluid intake provides information on the amount of fluid input but does not directly indicate how the patient's body is handling or retaining that fluid. It complements other methods like daily weight measurements.

D. Vital signs are essential for assessing the hemodynamic status and response to fluid therapy but are not specific enough to quantify fluid balance or detect mild fluid excess without other signs.

A. "Drinking more fluid will prevent numbness and tingling." B. "An increase in urinary frequency, burning, and dysuria shows the medication is working." C. "Numbness and tingling of the hands and feet are harmless side effect of the medication." D. "Numbness and tingling of hands and feet are adverse reactions and the provider may change your medication."

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

D. Numbness and tingling of the hands and feet can indicate peripheral neuropathy, a known adverse effect of nitrofurantoin. It's essential for the nurse to recognize and communicate the potential seriousness of these symptoms to the client.

A. Numbness and tingling are not typically related to hydration status. While adequate hydration is important for overall health, it does not directly prevent numbness and tingling caused by medication side effects.

B. Symptoms like urinary frequency, burning, and dysuria are common symptoms of a urinary tract infection, not indicators of the medication working.

C Numbness and tingling of the hands and feet can be indicative of peripheral neuropathy, which is a potential adverse reaction to nitrofurantoin. While not all cases are severe, it's crucial to assess the severity and duration of these symptoms and notify the healthcare provider.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

For a patient who is experiencing an ECV excess, the nurse plans to determine the fluid status. The best way for the nurse to determine the fluid balance for the patient is to:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client who is taking nitrofurantoin for a urinary tract infection voices a concern to the clinic nurse about experiencing numbness and tingling of the hands and feet. Which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is assisting with supervising a newly licensed nurse replace a short-peripheral IV device for a client. Which of the following actions by the new nurse indicates an understanding of the procedure?

A nurse is assisting in the plan of care for a client who has hypernatremia. Which of the following IV solutions should the nurse plan to initiate?

A nurse is caring for an 8-month-old infant who is receiving intravenous (IV) fluids via a 24-gauge catheter. Which of the following statements by the client's mother indicates that the nurse should check the site for signs of infiltration?

Before administering intravenous (IV) amoxicillin, the nurse should do what?

If the nurse needs to administer a 2 mL injection what size syringe is most appropriate to use?