Complications of Intravenous therapy

Complications of Intravenous therapy ( 39 Questions)

A nurse is caring for a client with an IV catheter in place for medication administration. The nurse observes swelling, coolness, and pallor around the insertion site. The infusion has slowed, and the client reports discomfort. Which complication of IV therapy should the nurse suspect?


Correct Answer: B

A) This choice is incorrect because phlebitis typically presents with redness, warmth, and swelling around the insertion site, not coolness and pallor.

B) This choice is correct. The client's symptoms of swelling, coolness, and pallor around the insertion site, along with a slowed infusion and discomfort, are indicative of infiltration, which occurs when IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissues.

C) This choice is incorrect because fluid overload is not associated with localized symptoms like those described by the client.

D) This choice is incorrect because an air embolism is not associated with symptoms of infiltration, such as swelling and coolness around the IV site.




Join Nursingprepexams Nursing for nursing questions & guides! Sign Up Now