A client receiving IV therapy develops a fever, chills, and malaise. The nurse notices red streaks along the vein path. Which complication of IV therapy should the nurse suspect?
A.
Infiltration
B.
Phlebitis
C.
Sepsis
D.
Thrombophlebitis
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is B. Phlebitis.
Explanation:
Phlebitis refers to the inflammation of a vein, which can occur as a complication of intravenous (IV) therapy. When a client develops fever, chills, malaise, and visible red streaks along the vein path, it indicates an inflammatory response, likely due to irritation of the vein caused by the IV catheter or the infusion itself.
Phlebitis can be caused by several factors, including:
- Mechanical Irritation: The insertion of the IV catheter can lead to trauma or irritation of the vein wall, resulting in inflammation.
- Chemical Irritation: Certain IV fluids or medications can be irritating to the vein. This irritation may result in a localized inflammatory response, causing redness, warmth, and pain along the vein path.
- Infectious Agents: Although phlebitis is primarily an inflammatory process, it can sometimes be associated with infection. The presence of fever and chills may suggest that there is a concurrent infection, possibly leading to a more serious complication like sepsis or thrombophlebitis.
The clinical manifestations you described—red streaks along the vein, fever, chills, and malaise—align well with phlebitis, particularly if there is localized pain or tenderness at the insertion site.
While thrombophlebitis (D) involves both inflammation and the formation of a thrombus (blood clot), it typically presents with more significant pain and swelling, along with potential complications related to the clot. Sepsis (C) can occur as a severe progression of an infection, but it would not typically present with just localized red streaks without other systemic signs of infection.
In conclusion, the presence of red streaks along the vein, combined with systemic symptoms like fever and malaise, strongly points to phlebitis as the suspected complication of IV therapy. Prompt recognition and intervention are crucial to prevent further complications.