PNR 202/PNR202 Exam 1 V3 | Intravenous
Therapy Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. A nurse is preparing to administer an isotonic intravenous solution. Which of the following
solutions should the nurse select?
A. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
B. 10% Dextrose in Water
C. 3% Sodium Chloride
D. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: 0.9% Sodium Chloride, also known as Normal Saline, is an isotonic
solution because it has the same osmolarity as serum. Isotonic solutions expand the
extracellular fluid volume without causing a significant shift of water into or out of the
cells. This makes it ideal for replacing fluid volume in patients with dehydration or
hypotension.
2. Which clinical manifestation should a nurse associate with intravenous infiltration?
A. Coolness and edema at the site
B. A palpable venous cord
C. Erythema and warmth at the site
,D. Fever and chills
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Infiltration occurs when IV fluid leaks into the surrounding
subcutaneous tissue, causing the area to feel cool to the touch and appear swollen. This
happens because the fluid is no longer contained within the vein and is accumulating in the
interstitial space. The nurse must stop the infusion immediately and remove the catheter to
prevent further tissue damage.
3. A physician orders 1,000 mL of 5% Dextrose in Water (D5W) to infuse over 8 hours. The
drop factor is 15 gtt/mL. At what rate should the nurse set the IV in gtt/min?
A. 31 gtt/min
B. 21 gtt/min
C. 42 gtt/min
D. 125 gtt/min
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: To calculate the flow rate, multiply the total volume (1,000 mL) by
the drop factor (15 gtt/mL) and divide by the total time in minutes (480 minutes). The
math (15,) equals 31.25, which rounds to 31 gtt/min. Accuracy in these
calculations is vital to ensure the patient receives the medication as prescribed without
fluid overload.
, 4. When initiating a peripheral IV access, which principle should guide the nurse’s site
selection?
A. Start with the most proximal vein
B. Use the dominant hand whenever possible
C. Avoid veins in the forearm
D. Start with the most distal vein
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Selecting the most distal vein first allows for subsequent attempts to
be made more proximally if the initial attempt fails. If a proximal site is used first and fails,
any fluid or blood from distal attempts could leak through the damaged proximal vessel
wall. This conservative approach preserves the integrity of the vascular system for long-
term therapy.
5. A patient is receiving 3% Sodium Chloride. Which assessment finding is the priority for the
nurse to report?
A. Dry mucous membranes
B. Increased urinary output
C. Crackles upon lung auscultation
D. Blood pressure 120/80 mmHg
Correct Answer: C
Therapy Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. A nurse is preparing to administer an isotonic intravenous solution. Which of the following
solutions should the nurse select?
A. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
B. 10% Dextrose in Water
C. 3% Sodium Chloride
D. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: 0.9% Sodium Chloride, also known as Normal Saline, is an isotonic
solution because it has the same osmolarity as serum. Isotonic solutions expand the
extracellular fluid volume without causing a significant shift of water into or out of the
cells. This makes it ideal for replacing fluid volume in patients with dehydration or
hypotension.
2. Which clinical manifestation should a nurse associate with intravenous infiltration?
A. Coolness and edema at the site
B. A palpable venous cord
C. Erythema and warmth at the site
,D. Fever and chills
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Infiltration occurs when IV fluid leaks into the surrounding
subcutaneous tissue, causing the area to feel cool to the touch and appear swollen. This
happens because the fluid is no longer contained within the vein and is accumulating in the
interstitial space. The nurse must stop the infusion immediately and remove the catheter to
prevent further tissue damage.
3. A physician orders 1,000 mL of 5% Dextrose in Water (D5W) to infuse over 8 hours. The
drop factor is 15 gtt/mL. At what rate should the nurse set the IV in gtt/min?
A. 31 gtt/min
B. 21 gtt/min
C. 42 gtt/min
D. 125 gtt/min
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: To calculate the flow rate, multiply the total volume (1,000 mL) by
the drop factor (15 gtt/mL) and divide by the total time in minutes (480 minutes). The
math (15,) equals 31.25, which rounds to 31 gtt/min. Accuracy in these
calculations is vital to ensure the patient receives the medication as prescribed without
fluid overload.
, 4. When initiating a peripheral IV access, which principle should guide the nurse’s site
selection?
A. Start with the most proximal vein
B. Use the dominant hand whenever possible
C. Avoid veins in the forearm
D. Start with the most distal vein
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Selecting the most distal vein first allows for subsequent attempts to
be made more proximally if the initial attempt fails. If a proximal site is used first and fails,
any fluid or blood from distal attempts could leak through the damaged proximal vessel
wall. This conservative approach preserves the integrity of the vascular system for long-
term therapy.
5. A patient is receiving 3% Sodium Chloride. Which assessment finding is the priority for the
nurse to report?
A. Dry mucous membranes
B. Increased urinary output
C. Crackles upon lung auscultation
D. Blood pressure 120/80 mmHg
Correct Answer: C
