Shortly After Starting an IV on Your Patient, You Note

Multiple Choice

Shortly after starting an IV on your patient, you note that the IV is not dripping. You have removed the constricting band, and all the clamps on the tubing are open. You note that there is minor swelling around the venipuncture site. There is no discoloration of the site, but it is cool and firm to the touch. Which of the following most likely accounts for your findings?

A) The site has become infected.
B) The tip of the catheter is occluded by a blood clot.
C) Fluids extravasated into the tissue surrounding the IV site.
D) The tip of the catheter is occluded by a valve in the vein.