NUR172/NUR 172 Exam 2 V3 | Intravenous
Therapy for the Practical Nurse Q&A with
Rationale | Hondros College of Nursing
1. A patient’s IV site is cool to the touch, swollen, and the infusion rate has slowed
significantly. Which complication should the nurse suspect?
A. Phlebitis
B. Septicemia
C. Extravasation
D. Infiltration
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Infiltration is the leakage of a non-vesicant solution into the subcutaneous
tissue. The hallmark signs include coolness of the skin, edema around the insertion site,
and decreased flow rate. The nurse should stop the infusion immediately and elevate the
extremity to promote fluid reabsorption.
2. The nurse is monitoring a patient receiving 0.9% Normal Saline. Which of the following is a
primary characteristic of this isotonic solution?
A. It causes cells to shrink by pulling water out.
B. It remains in the intravascular space without causing fluid shifts.
C. It causes cells to swell by pushing water in.
,D. It has a lower osmolarity than blood plasma.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Isotonic solutions have the same osmolarity as blood plasma, meaning they do
not cause a net shift of water between the intracellular and extracellular compartments.
These solutions are primarily used to expand the intravascular volume in patients with
hypotension or dehydration. Common examples include 0.9% Sodium Chloride and
Lactated Ringer’s.
3. An elderly patient is prescribed IV fluids. Which gauge size is most appropriate for a
standard peripheral IV in an older adult with fragile veins?
A. 18-gauge
B. 22-gauge
C. 20-gauge
D. 14-gauge
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A 22-gauge catheter is often preferred for older adults because it is smaller and
less likely to rupture fragile veins. Larger gauges like 18 or 20 are typically reserved for
blood transfusions or rapid fluid resuscitation in younger patients. Using the smallest
gauge necessary helps reduce the risk of mechanical phlebitis.
, 4. While assessing an IV site, the nurse notes redness, warmth, and a palpable venous cord.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Phlebitis
B. Hematoma
C. Infiltration
D. Venous spasm
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Phlebitis is the inflammation of the inner lining of the vein, often characterized
by pain, warmth, and a visible red streak or palpable cord. It is graded on a scale from 0 to
4 based on the severity of the symptoms. Immediate intervention includes removing the
catheter and applying warm compresses to the affected area.
5. Which action is most critical when a nurse suspects a patient has developed an air
embolism from an IV line?
A. Place the patient in High-Fowler’s position.
B. Place the patient in Trendelenburg position on their left side.
C. Increase the IV flow rate to flush the air out.
D. Administer a bolus of Normal Saline.
Correct Answer: B
Therapy for the Practical Nurse Q&A with
Rationale | Hondros College of Nursing
1. A patient’s IV site is cool to the touch, swollen, and the infusion rate has slowed
significantly. Which complication should the nurse suspect?
A. Phlebitis
B. Septicemia
C. Extravasation
D. Infiltration
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Infiltration is the leakage of a non-vesicant solution into the subcutaneous
tissue. The hallmark signs include coolness of the skin, edema around the insertion site,
and decreased flow rate. The nurse should stop the infusion immediately and elevate the
extremity to promote fluid reabsorption.
2. The nurse is monitoring a patient receiving 0.9% Normal Saline. Which of the following is a
primary characteristic of this isotonic solution?
A. It causes cells to shrink by pulling water out.
B. It remains in the intravascular space without causing fluid shifts.
C. It causes cells to swell by pushing water in.
,D. It has a lower osmolarity than blood plasma.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Isotonic solutions have the same osmolarity as blood plasma, meaning they do
not cause a net shift of water between the intracellular and extracellular compartments.
These solutions are primarily used to expand the intravascular volume in patients with
hypotension or dehydration. Common examples include 0.9% Sodium Chloride and
Lactated Ringer’s.
3. An elderly patient is prescribed IV fluids. Which gauge size is most appropriate for a
standard peripheral IV in an older adult with fragile veins?
A. 18-gauge
B. 22-gauge
C. 20-gauge
D. 14-gauge
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A 22-gauge catheter is often preferred for older adults because it is smaller and
less likely to rupture fragile veins. Larger gauges like 18 or 20 are typically reserved for
blood transfusions or rapid fluid resuscitation in younger patients. Using the smallest
gauge necessary helps reduce the risk of mechanical phlebitis.
, 4. While assessing an IV site, the nurse notes redness, warmth, and a palpable venous cord.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Phlebitis
B. Hematoma
C. Infiltration
D. Venous spasm
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Phlebitis is the inflammation of the inner lining of the vein, often characterized
by pain, warmth, and a visible red streak or palpable cord. It is graded on a scale from 0 to
4 based on the severity of the symptoms. Immediate intervention includes removing the
catheter and applying warm compresses to the affected area.
5. Which action is most critical when a nurse suspects a patient has developed an air
embolism from an IV line?
A. Place the patient in High-Fowler’s position.
B. Place the patient in Trendelenburg position on their left side.
C. Increase the IV flow rate to flush the air out.
D. Administer a bolus of Normal Saline.
Correct Answer: B
