A client receiving IV therapy suddenly experiences chest pain, dyspnea, and tachycardia. The nurse should recognize these symptoms as potential signs of which complication?
A.
Infiltration
B.
Phlebitis
C.
Fluid overload
D.
Thrombophlebitis
The correct answer is:
C. Fluid overload
Explanation:
The symptoms described—chest pain, dyspnea (difficulty breathing), and tachycardia (rapid heart rate)—are indicative of fluid overload. Fluid overload occurs when there is an excess of fluid in the circulatory system, often due to rapid or excessive IV infusion. This can lead to symptoms of congestive heart failure, including the mentioned symptoms.
Here’s why the other options are less likely:
- A. Infiltration: This occurs when IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue rather than the bloodstream, causing swelling and discomfort at the infusion site but typically not chest pain or dyspnea.
- B. Phlebitis: This is inflammation of the vein where the IV is inserted, causing redness, warmth, and pain along the vein, but it doesn’t usually cause chest pain or dyspnea.
- D. Thrombophlebitis: This is inflammation of the vein with the presence of a blood clot, causing localized pain, redness, and swelling, but it does not typically present with chest pain and dyspnea.
Correct answer: C