Which of the following is NOT a local complication of IV therapy?

Which of the following is NOT a local complication of IV therapy?

• A. Infiltration
• B. Cellulitis
• C. Systemic infection
• D. Thrombophlebitis

Answer: (C)

Local IV complications are problems confined to the IV site or the surrounding tissue. Infiltration happens when IV fluid leaks into nearby tissue, causing swelling and possibly a cool, taut skin. Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue around the insertion site, with redness, warmth, and tenderness. Thrombophlebitis is inflammation of the vein at the site, often with pain along the vein and a palpable tender cord. Systemic infection, however, affects the entire body and presents with signs like fever, chills, malaise, and possible sepsis. It is not restricted to the IV site, so it’s not considered a local complication of IV therapy.

Local IV complications are problems confined to the IV site or the surrounding tissue. Infiltration happens when IV fluid leaks into nearby tissue, causing swelling and possibly a cool, taut skin. Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue around the insertion site, with redness, warmth, and tenderness. Thrombophlebitis is inflammation of the vein at the site, often with pain along the vein and a palpable tender cord.

Systemic infection, however, affects the entire body and presents with signs like fever, chills, malaise, and possible sepsis. It is not restricted to the IV site, so it’s not considered a local complication of IV therapy.