Which IV complication may occur with the use of irritant drugs?

Which IV complication may occur with the use of irritant drugs?

• A. Phlebitis
• B. Hypotension
• C. Infiltration
• D. Hematoma

Answer: (A)

The correct answer is phlebitis. This complication can arise from the use of irritant drugs due to their potential to cause inflammation of the vein. Irritant medications can lead to irritation at the site of venous access, which may manifest as redness, swelling, pain, or warmth along the vein. The inflammatory response can occur as a result of the chemical properties of the drug, which can damage the endothelial lining of the vessels and provoke a localized reaction. In contrast, hypotension is generally associated with systemic issues rather than localized complications from IV drug administration. Infiltration relates to the unintended leakage of IV fluid into surrounding tissue but is not specifically linked to the irritant nature of drugs. Hematoma refers to localized swelling filled with blood due to blood vessel damage, which is also not tied directly to the irritant properties of medications. Understanding these distinctions is critical when monitoring for potential complications during IV therapy.

The correct answer is phlebitis. This complication can arise from the use of irritant drugs due to their potential to cause inflammation of the vein. Irritant medications can lead to irritation at the site of venous access, which may manifest as redness, swelling, pain, or warmth along the vein. The inflammatory response can occur as a result of the chemical properties of the drug, which can damage the endothelial lining of the vessels and provoke a localized reaction.

In contrast, hypotension is generally associated with systemic issues rather than localized complications from IV drug administration. Infiltration relates to the unintended leakage of IV fluid into surrounding tissue but is not specifically linked to the irritant nature of drugs. Hematoma refers to localized swelling filled with blood due to blood vessel damage, which is also not tied directly to the irritant properties of medications. Understanding these distinctions is critical when monitoring for potential complications during IV therapy.