NUR172/NUR 172 Final Exam V3 |
Intravenous Therapy for the Practical
Nurse Q&A with Rationale | Hondros
College of Nursing
1. According to the Ohio Nurse Practice Act, which action is prohibited for a Licensed Practical
Nurse (LPN) regarding IV therapy?
A. Administering IV push medications such as Morphine
B. Initiating a peripheral IV catheter in the hand
C. Hanging a bag of 0.9% Normal Saline
D. Changing a central line dressing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: LPNs in the state of Ohio are strictly prohibited from administering medications
via the IV push or bolus route. This includes narcotics, emergency medications, and any
titration medications. The LPN scope is limited to piggyback infusions and specific fluids
under supervision.
2. A nurse identifies that an IV site is cool to the touch, pale, and swollen. Which complication
is the patient likely experiencing?
A. Phlebitis
B. Extravasation
,C. Infiltration
D. Venous Spasm
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Infiltration occurs when a non-vesicant solution leaks into the surrounding
subcutaneous tissue. Clinical manifestations include coolness, blanched skin, and localized
edema at the insertion site. The nurse should stop the infusion immediately and remove
the catheter as the priority action.
3. Which IV solution is classified as hypotonic and used to treat cellular dehydration?
A. 5% Dextrose in 0.9% Sodium Chloride
B. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
C. Lactated Ringer’s
D. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
Correct Answer: D
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 patients with hypernatremia. These fluids must be
monitored closely to prevent cerebral edema or cardiovascular collapse.
, 4. What is the primary rationale for ‘scrubbing the hub’ for at least 15 seconds before
accessing an IV port?
A. To reduce the risk of Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections (CRBSI)
B. To ensure the needle enters the port easily
C. To check if the IV site is still patent
D. To prevent the patient from feeling pain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Scrubbing the access port with an antiseptic like 70% alcohol or chlorhexidine
provides mechanical friction to remove biofilms. This practice is essential for preventing
the introduction of pathogens into the bloodstream. Consistent compliance with this
protocol significantly lowers the incidence of healthcare-acquired infections.
5. A patient receiving IV fluids develops sudden shortness of breath, crackles in the lungs, and
jugular vein distention. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Speed up the IV rate to clear the lungs
B. Place the patient in Trendelenburg position
C. Slow the IV to a ‘keep-open’ rate and notify the provider
D. Administer an IV push of Furosemide immediately
Correct Answer: C
Intravenous Therapy for the Practical
Nurse Q&A with Rationale | Hondros
College of Nursing
1. According to the Ohio Nurse Practice Act, which action is prohibited for a Licensed Practical
Nurse (LPN) regarding IV therapy?
A. Administering IV push medications such as Morphine
B. Initiating a peripheral IV catheter in the hand
C. Hanging a bag of 0.9% Normal Saline
D. Changing a central line dressing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: LPNs in the state of Ohio are strictly prohibited from administering medications
via the IV push or bolus route. This includes narcotics, emergency medications, and any
titration medications. The LPN scope is limited to piggyback infusions and specific fluids
under supervision.
2. A nurse identifies that an IV site is cool to the touch, pale, and swollen. Which complication
is the patient likely experiencing?
A. Phlebitis
B. Extravasation
,C. Infiltration
D. Venous Spasm
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Infiltration occurs when a non-vesicant solution leaks into the surrounding
subcutaneous tissue. Clinical manifestations include coolness, blanched skin, and localized
edema at the insertion site. The nurse should stop the infusion immediately and remove
the catheter as the priority action.
3. Which IV solution is classified as hypotonic and used to treat cellular dehydration?
A. 5% Dextrose in 0.9% Sodium Chloride
B. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
C. Lactated Ringer’s
D. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
Correct Answer: D
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 patients with hypernatremia. These fluids must be
monitored closely to prevent cerebral edema or cardiovascular collapse.
, 4. What is the primary rationale for ‘scrubbing the hub’ for at least 15 seconds before
accessing an IV port?
A. To reduce the risk of Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections (CRBSI)
B. To ensure the needle enters the port easily
C. To check if the IV site is still patent
D. To prevent the patient from feeling pain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Scrubbing the access port with an antiseptic like 70% alcohol or chlorhexidine
provides mechanical friction to remove biofilms. This practice is essential for preventing
the introduction of pathogens into the bloodstream. Consistent compliance with this
protocol significantly lowers the incidence of healthcare-acquired infections.
5. A patient receiving IV fluids develops sudden shortness of breath, crackles in the lungs, and
jugular vein distention. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Speed up the IV rate to clear the lungs
B. Place the patient in Trendelenburg position
C. Slow the IV to a ‘keep-open’ rate and notify the provider
D. Administer an IV push of Furosemide immediately
Correct Answer: C
