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 client reports tenderness, redness, and warmth around the insertion site. The nurse observes purulent drainage at the site. Which complication of IV therapy should the nurse suspect?


Correct Answer: C

A) This choice is incorrect because infiltration involves the inadvertent administration of IV fluid into the surrounding tissues and is not associated with purulent drainage and redness.

B) This choice is incorrect because phlebitis typically presents with redness, warmth, and swelling around the insertion site, but it does not cause purulent drainage.

C) This choice is correct. The client's symptoms of tenderness, redness, warmth, and purulent drainage around the insertion site are indicative of an infection, which can occur as a complication of IV therapy if bacteria enter the bloodstream through the catheter.

D) This choice is incorrect because thrombophlebitis does not typically cause purulent drainage at the insertion site.




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