Intensive Care Medicine (ICM) Practice Exam

What is a common sign of local complication due to infusion therapy?

1. Heart palpitations

2. Fever

3. Bruising at the site

4. Increased urination

The correct answer is: Bruising at the site

Bruising at the site of infusion therapy is a common sign of local complications. This often occurs when there is trauma to the blood vessels during the insertion of the IV catheter or due to the accumulation of blood under the skin following the placement or removal of the line. Such bruising indicates localized vascular insult or the potential for a hematoma to develop, which is a collection of blood outside of blood vessels. Heart palpitations are typically systemic effects that may result from electrolyte imbalances or other metabolic issues rather than localized complications. Fever often indicates a systemic response, such as infection, rather than a localized complication at the infusion site. Increased urination is generally associated with fluid overload or certain drug effects but does not suggest localized issues related to intravenous therapy. Therefore, bruising directly points to complications at the site of infusion, making it the most relevant choice.