# Drag each assessment cluster to the most likely complication of peripheral IV therapy.

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=395447&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Parenteral/IV Therapies  
> category: PPT

## Question

Drag each assessment cluster to the most likely complication of peripheral IV therapy.

**1.** Cool pale swelling around the catheter with a slowing infusion

Select a category
Phlebitis
Infiltration
Fluid overload

**2.** Tight edematous skin and nonvesicant fluid leaking from the insertion site

Select a category
Phlebitis
Infiltration
Fluid overload

**3.** Warmth, erythema, and tenderness tracking along the vein

Select a category
Phlebitis
Infiltration
Fluid overload

**4.** Pain at the site with a palpable venous cord

Select a category
Phlebitis
Infiltration
Fluid overload

**5.** New dyspnea, bilateral crackles, and decreasing oxygen saturation during a rapid infusion

Select a category
Phlebitis
Infiltration
Fluid overload

**6.** Jugular venous distention and rapid weight gain without a new local-site abnormality

Select a category
Phlebitis
Infiltration
Fluid overload

## Explanation

Infiltration produces swelling, coolness, pallor or tightness, leaking, and slowed flow at the site. Phlebitis produces warmth, erythema, tenderness, and sometimes a palpable venous cord. Fluid overload is systemic and may produce dyspnea, crackles, falling oxygen saturation, jugular venous distention, or rapid weight gain.

## In-depth explanation

Quick answer
Cool swollen site = infiltration; warm tender vein = phlebitis; respiratory and volume findings = fluid overload.

Why this is correct
Local site findings distinguish infiltration from phlebitis, while pulmonary or circulatory findings signal systemic fluid excess. A vesicant leak is extravasation and requires the agent-specific protocol; this item limits the local leak examples to nonvesicant fluid.

NCLEX decision rule
Stop a concerning infusion and assess before attempting to flush. Protect the client first, then follow facility policy for catheter removal, aspiration, compresses, elevation, escalation, and documentation.References
1NCBI Open RN: local complications of peripheral IV therapy
2NCBI Open RN: peripheral IV access

## Clinical scenario

Peripheral IV reassessment
Several adults are receiving nonvesicant IV fluids. The nurse compares the insertion site with systemic findings before stopping the infusion and following the complication-specific facility protocol.

## Key concepts

- **Infiltration** — Unintended leakage of a nonvesicant IV solution into surrounding tissue.
- **Phlebitis** — Inflammation of a vein associated with pain, warmth, erythema, and sometimes a palpable cord.
- **Fluid Overload** — Excess intravascular volume that may produce dyspnea, crackles, reduced oxygenation, jugular venous distention, or rapid weight gain.

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