NUR172/NUR 172 Exam 3 V1 | Intravenous
Therapy for the Practical Nurse Q&A with
Rationale | Hondros College of Nursing
1. A nurse is assessing a patient’s IV site and notes redness, warmth, and a palpable venous
cord. Which complication is most likely occurring?
A. Infiltration
B. Extravasation
C. Phlebitis
D. Hematoma
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Phlebitis is the inflammation of the inner layer of a vein. Characteristic signs
include pain, tenderness, warmth, and a visible red streak or palpable cord along the vein.
The nurse must discontinue the IV and apply a warm compress to alleviate symptoms.
2. Which of the following IV fluids is considered a hypotonic solution?
A. 0.9% Normal Saline
B. Lactated Ringer’s
C. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
D. 5% Dextrose in 0.9% NS
,Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypotonic solutions have a lower osmolarity than plasma, causing water to
move from the vascular space into the cells. 0.45% Sodium Chloride (half-normal saline) is
a common hypotonic fluid used for cellular dehydration. These fluids must be monitored
carefully to prevent cellular swelling or cerebral edema.
3. A patient with fluid volume excess is likely to exhibit which of the following clinical
manifestations?
A. Distended neck veins
B. Poor skin turgor
C. Hypotension
D. Dry mucous membranes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fluid volume excess, or hypervolemia, results in increased intravascular
pressure. This often manifests as jugular venous distention (JVD), bounding pulses, and
crackles in the lungs. It is essential for the nurse to monitor daily weights and
intake/output for these patients.
4. What is the primary purpose of an isotonic IV solution?
A. To shift fluid into the intracellular space
B. To expand the extracellular fluid volume
, C. To pull fluid out of the cells into the blood
D. To treat severe hyponatremia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Isotonic solutions have the same osmolarity as body fluids, meaning they do not
cause a significant shift of water between compartments. They are primarily used to
replace extracellular fluid losses, such as in cases of hemorrhage or dehydration. Examples
include 0.9% Normal Saline and Lactated Ringer’s.
5. During the assessment of an IV site, the nurse finds that the skin is cool to the touch,
blanched, and swollen. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Apply a warm compress immediately
B. Slow the infusion rate
C. Flush the line with normal saline
D. Stop the infusion and remove the catheter
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: These signs indicate infiltration, which is the leaking of non-vesicant fluid into
the subcutaneous tissue. The immediate priority is to stop the infusion to prevent further
tissue damage. Following removal of the catheter, the nurse should elevate the extremity
and document the incident.
Therapy for the Practical Nurse Q&A with
Rationale | Hondros College of Nursing
1. A nurse is assessing a patient’s IV site and notes redness, warmth, and a palpable venous
cord. Which complication is most likely occurring?
A. Infiltration
B. Extravasation
C. Phlebitis
D. Hematoma
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Phlebitis is the inflammation of the inner layer of a vein. Characteristic signs
include pain, tenderness, warmth, and a visible red streak or palpable cord along the vein.
The nurse must discontinue the IV and apply a warm compress to alleviate symptoms.
2. Which of the following IV fluids is considered a hypotonic solution?
A. 0.9% Normal Saline
B. Lactated Ringer’s
C. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
D. 5% Dextrose in 0.9% NS
,Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypotonic solutions have a lower osmolarity than plasma, causing water to
move from the vascular space into the cells. 0.45% Sodium Chloride (half-normal saline) is
a common hypotonic fluid used for cellular dehydration. These fluids must be monitored
carefully to prevent cellular swelling or cerebral edema.
3. A patient with fluid volume excess is likely to exhibit which of the following clinical
manifestations?
A. Distended neck veins
B. Poor skin turgor
C. Hypotension
D. Dry mucous membranes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fluid volume excess, or hypervolemia, results in increased intravascular
pressure. This often manifests as jugular venous distention (JVD), bounding pulses, and
crackles in the lungs. It is essential for the nurse to monitor daily weights and
intake/output for these patients.
4. What is the primary purpose of an isotonic IV solution?
A. To shift fluid into the intracellular space
B. To expand the extracellular fluid volume
, C. To pull fluid out of the cells into the blood
D. To treat severe hyponatremia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Isotonic solutions have the same osmolarity as body fluids, meaning they do not
cause a significant shift of water between compartments. They are primarily used to
replace extracellular fluid losses, such as in cases of hemorrhage or dehydration. Examples
include 0.9% Normal Saline and Lactated Ringer’s.
5. During the assessment of an IV site, the nurse finds that the skin is cool to the touch,
blanched, and swollen. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Apply a warm compress immediately
B. Slow the infusion rate
C. Flush the line with normal saline
D. Stop the infusion and remove the catheter
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: These signs indicate infiltration, which is the leaking of non-vesicant fluid into
the subcutaneous tissue. The immediate priority is to stop the infusion to prevent further
tissue damage. Following removal of the catheter, the nurse should elevate the extremity
and document the incident.
