When assessing a patient with an intravenous line in the right arm, the LPN notices that the skin near the infusion site is taut and cool, and when the arm is lowered, it appears to swell. What is most likely occurring?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described, including taut and cool skin, swelling with dependent positioning, suggest that the IV may have infiltrated. Infiltration occurs when the IV catheter or needle punctures the vein and the IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue. This can cause swelling, coolness, tautness, and pain. Infection may present with redness, warmth, and tenderness around the site, while venous spasm typically causes pain and difficulty with flushing the IV. Embolism is a more serious complication that may cause sudden pain, discoloration, and/or loss of pulses in the affected limb.

When Assessing a Patient with an Intravenous Line in the Right