The nurse is caring for an older adult client who has been receiving intravenous fluids at 175 mL/hr. The nurse assesses that the client has crackles, shortness of breath, and distended neck veins. The nurse would recognise these findings as indicating which complication of IV fluid therapy?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The client's symptoms of crackles, shortness of breath, and distended neck veins are indicative of fluid volume excess, which can occur when intravenous fluids are administered too quickly or in excess amounts. Speed shock is a very rare complication that occurs when an incompatible or too-rapid infusion of a medication is infused into the body. An allergic reaction to antibiotics in the fluid would present with symptoms such as rash, itching, and difficulty breathing, but not specifically crackles, shortness of breath, and distended neck veins. A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot in the lung, which would present with symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing up blood.

The Nurse Is Caring for an Older Adult Client Who