The systemic complications of intravenous therapy includes all except

NHM UP Staff Nurse-2021 Shift-1st

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse-2021 Shift-1st

Explanation

Infiltration is the leakage of non-vesicant IV fluid into the surrounding subcutaneous tissue.
This complication is localized to the area around the IV insertion site.
Signs include swelling, pallor, coolness, and pain at the site.
Unlike systemic complications, it does not immediately affect the entire circulatory or respiratory system.

Option A: Fluid overload (circulatory overload) is a classic systemic complication. It occurs when the volume of IV fluid administered is too large or infused too rapidly for the body to handle, affecting the entire cardiovascular system.
Option B: Air embolism is a severe, life-threatening systemic complication. It happens when a bolus of air enters the venous circulation and travels to the heart and lungs, obstructing blood flow.
Option C: While a minor infection can be local, the major concern with IV therapy is a systemic infection (septicemia or bloodstream infection). This occurs when pathogens enter the bloodstream through the IV line, affecting the entire body.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Differentiation between local and systemic complications of intravenous (IV) therapy helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
A nurse's primary responsibility during IV therapy is vigilant monitoring of the insertion site and the patient's overall condition to detect complications early.
Prompt identification of infiltration (a local complication) and stopping the infusion can prevent pain, tissue damage, and the need for more invasive interventions.
Recognizing early signs of systemic complications like fluid overload (e.g., crackles in lungs, shortness of breath) or air embolism (e.g., sudden chest pain, dyspnea) is critical for immediate life-saving action.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keywords in the question: 'systemic complications' and 'except'. This tells you to look for the option that is NOT a systemic complication.
Next, analyze each option by classifying it as either a 'local' or 'systemic' complication.
Recall or deduce that 'local' means affecting the specific site, while 'systemic' means affecting the whole body.
Evaluate 'Fluid Overload': This affects the whole circulatory system, so it's systemic.
Evaluate 'Air Embolism': Air travels through the bloodstream, affecting the heart and lungs, so it's systemic.
Evaluate 'Infection': A bloodstream infection (septicemia) is a risk and is systemic.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Differentiation between local and systemic complications of intravenous (IV) therapy.
Stem keywords: systemic complications, intravenous therapy
Lead-in keywords: except
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks for the exception.

QGPDEnCjhxHQbouu6FeTGD

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 801-803

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 5 p. 73-75