The IV site of a patient receiving a continuous IV infusion should be monitored by the nurse:
every 5 hours
once per shift
hourly
once a day
The Correct Answer is C
C. Hourly monitoring of the IV site may be necessary in situations where the patient's clinical condition requires close observation, such as when administering certain medications that can cause irritation or when rapid changes in fluid status are expected.
A. Checking the IV site every 5 hours may not be frequent enough, especially for patients who require close monitoring due to potential complications such as infiltration, phlebitis, or dislodgement of the IV catheter.
B. Correct, but it depends on the shift length. In many clinical settings, nurses typically assess the IV site once per shift to ensure proper functioning and assess for any signs of complications. However, the length of the shift can vary, and in some cases, more frequent monitoring may be necessary, especially if the patient's condition requires it.
D. Checking the IV site only once a day is generally insufficient, as it does not provide timely assessment and intervention for potential IV complications that can occur more frequently.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Swelling around the IV site or in the extremity (such as the fingers) can be a sign of infiltration. This occurs because the IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissues, causing localized swelling.
A. Blood backing up in the IV tubing could indicate issues like a clot in the line or a slow flow rate, but it does not specifically suggest infiltration. It might prompt the nurse to check for other issues such as patency of the IV line or the need for flushing.
C. A long red streak up the arm could indicate inflammation or infection along the vein (phlebitis) rather than infiltration. Phlebitis can be caused by mechanical irritation, chemical irritation from the IV fluids, or infection.
D. Tape coming off the IV needle suggests a need for re-securing the IV, but it does not directly indicate infiltration. However, if the tape is coming off, it's important to check the entire IV site to ensure the catheter is still properly inserted and there are no signs of infiltration or dislodgment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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.
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