A nurse is assessing a client’s peripheral IV during hourly rounding. The nurse notices the site has erythema, warmth, edema, and a red line traveling up the vessel. Which complication would the nurse identify this client has?
Thrombophlebitis
Infiltration
Infection
Extravasation
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Thrombophlebitis is characterized by inflammation of the vein with the formation of a blood clot. The signs and symptoms include erythema, warmth, edema, and a red line traveling up the vessel, which indicates the presence of inflammation and possible clot formation. This condition requires prompt intervention to prevent further complications such as the spread of infection or the clot traveling to other parts of the body.

Choice B reason: Infiltration occurs when IV fluid or medication leaks into the surrounding tissue. Signs of infiltration include swelling, discomfort, and coolness at the IV site, but it does not typically present with erythema, warmth, or a red line traveling up the vessel. Infiltration is less likely to cause the systemic signs seen in this case.
Choice C reason: Infection at the IV site can cause erythema, warmth, and edema, but it usually does not present with a red line traveling up the vessel. The red line is more indicative of thrombophlebitis, where the inflammation follows the path of the vein. Infection would also likely present with additional systemic signs such as fever.
Choice D reason: Extravasation involves the leakage of vesicant drugs into the surrounding tissue, causing severe local tissue damage. Signs include pain, burning, and blistering at the site, but it does not typically present with a red line traveling up the vessel. Extravasation is more localized and does not follow the vein’s path like thrombophlebitis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Defamation of character is incorrect. Defamation of character involves making false statements about someone that damage their reputation. This can be in the form of slander (spoken) or libel (written). Applying restraints without proper justification does not fall under defamation of character.
Choice B Reason:
Invasion of privacy is incorrect. Invasion of privacy involves intruding into someone’s personal life without consent. This can include unauthorized access to personal information or spaces. Applying restraints without proper justification is not an invasion of privacy.
Choice C Reason:
Slander is incorrect. Slander is a form of defamation that involves making false spoken statements that damage someone’s reputation. Applying restraints without proper justification does not involve making false statements.
Choice D Reason:
False imprisonment is correct. False imprisonment involves restraining a person without legal justification or their consent. In a healthcare setting, applying restraints without proper justification or following legal and ethical guidelines constitutes false imprisonment and violates the client’s rights.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Keep the drainage system below the level of the client’s chest at all times is correct. This measure ensures that gravity assists in the drainage of air and fluid from the pleural space, preventing backflow into the chest cavity. Keeping the drainage system below chest level maintains the negative pressure needed for effective drainage.
Choice B Reason:
Clamp the chest tube prior to transferring the client to a wheelchair is incorrect. Clamping the chest tube can lead to a buildup of air or fluid in the pleural space, potentially causing a tension pneumothorax. The chest tube should remain unclamped to allow continuous drainage.
Choice C Reason:
Empty the collection chamber prior to transport is incorrect. While it is important to monitor and manage the drainage, emptying the collection chamber is not necessary before transport. The focus should be on maintaining the integrity and function of the drainage system.
Choice D Reason:
Disconnect the chest tube from the drainage system during transport is incorrect. Disconnecting the chest tube can lead to a loss of the negative pressure system, resulting in potential complications such as pneumothorax. The chest tube should remain connected to ensure continuous drainage and maintain the negative pressure.
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