A patient is receiving an IV infusion of lactated Ringer's solution and 40 mEq of KCl at 100 mL/hr.When assessing the IV site,the nurse notes swelling,erythema,and warmth.There is a palpable cord along the vein,and the infusion is sluggish.The patient is complaining of pain at the site.The nurse would recognize these findings to be consistent with which of the following?

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Phlebitis is an inflammation of the vein.It may be caused by the infusion of solutions that are irritating to the vein.Patients receiving IV solutions with potassium chloride are at a higher risk for phlebitis,as it is irritating to the vein.The symptom of a palpable cord along the vein distinguishes this as phlebitis.Infiltration presents as erythema,pain,and swelling.However,there is no palpable cord with inflammation.Extravasation is infiltration of a vesicant substance into the tissues.Differentiating symptoms include blanching and coolness of the surrounding skin; the formation of blisters and subsequent tissue sloughing and necrosis are later signs.A hematoma is a localized mass of blood outside the blood vessel.This is generally seen when a vein is nicked during an unsuccessful insertion of an IV line or when an IV line is discontinued without pressure applied over the site.

A Patient Is Receiving an IV Infusion of Lactated Ringer's