A patient is receiving an IV infusion of lactated Ringer's solution and 40 mEq of KCl at 100 mL/hr.When assessing the IV site,the nurse notes swelling,erythema,and warmth.There is a palpable cord along the vein,and the infusion is sluggish.The patient is complaining of pain at the site.The nurse would recognize these findings to be consistent with which of the following?

A) Infiltration
B) Extravasation
C) Hematoma
D) Phlebitis

Phlebitis is an inflammation of the vein.It may be caused by the infusion of solutions that are irritating to the vein.Patients receiving IV solutions with potassium chloride are at a higher risk for phlebitis,as it is irritating to the vein.The symptom of a palpable cord along the vein distinguishes this as phlebitis.Infiltration presents as erythema,pain,and swelling.However,there is no palpable cord with inflammation.Extravasation is infiltration of a vesicant substance into the tissues.Differentiating symptoms include blanching and coolness of the surrounding skin; the formation of blisters and subsequent tissue sloughing and necrosis are later signs.A hematoma is a localized mass of blood outside the blood vessel.This is generally seen when a vein is nicked during an unsuccessful insertion of an IV line or when an IV line is discontinued without pressure applied over the site.