Safe and Effective Care Environment NCLEX RN Questions Related

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A client is complaining of pain in his right hand after surgery. The IV in his hand has slowed down, and the skin around the site is reddened and cool. The client reports localized pain in the hand and fingers. What is the most likely cause of this client's pain?

  • A. The client's IV is infiltrated
  • B. The client is experiencing phlebitis from the last drug administered
  • C. The client has a blood clot developing in the distal arteries of the wrist
  • D. The client's pain is associated with myocardial ischemia and he is having a heart attack
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Pain, cool skin, and edema at an IV injection site indicate IV infiltration. The reddened and cool skin around the IV site, along with localized pain and a slowed IV drip rate, are classic signs of infiltration. Infiltration occurs when IV fluids or medications enter the surrounding tissues instead of the vein, leading to potential tissue damage. Phlebitis is inflammation of a vein, not infiltration. A blood clot in the distal arteries of the wrist would not cause these specific symptoms. Myocardial ischemia and heart attack are unrelated to the client's localized hand pain and IV issues.