Complications of Intravenous therapy

Complications of Intravenous therapy ( 39 Questions)

A nurse is starting an IV infusion for a client and observes that the IV catheter has punctured the vein and fluid is leaking into the surrounding tissues. The client complains of burning pain at the insertion site. Which complication of IV therapy should the nurse suspect?


Correct Answer: D

A) This choice is incorrect because infiltration involves the inadvertent administration of IV fluid into the surrounding tissues, not puncturing the vein. Burning pain is not typically associated with infiltration.

B) This choice is incorrect because phlebitis is characterized by redness, warmth, and swelling around the insertion site, not fluid leakage and burning pain.

C) This choice is incorrect because fluid overload is not related to the puncture of the vein and leakage of IV fluid. Symptoms of fluid overload include dyspnea, elevated blood pressure, and jugular vein distention.

D) This choice is correct. The nurse should suspect extravasation, which occurs when IV fluid or medication leaks into the surrounding tissues due to catheter puncture. Burning pain and discomfort at the insertion site are common symptoms of extravasation.




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