NUR172/NUR 172 Final Exam V2 |
Intravenous Therapy for the Practical
Nurse Q&A with Rationale | Hondros
College of Nursing
1. Which of the following signs most accurately indicates that an intravenous (IV) infusion has
infiltrated?
A. Coolness of the skin and edema around the site.
B. A red streak tracking up the patient’s arm.
C. Heat and redness around the insertion site.
D. Purulent drainage leaking from the catheter hub.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Infiltration occurs when non-vesicant fluid leaks into the surrounding
subcutaneous tissue. Common clinical manifestations include localized swelling, coolness
to the touch, and pallor at the site. The nurse must immediately stop the infusion and
remove the catheter to prevent further tissue damage.
2. According to the Ohio Board of Nursing LPN scope of practice, which IV-related task is an
LPN permitted to perform?
A. Administering IV push medications such as morphine.
B. Initiating a primary infusion of Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN).
,C. Administering the first dose of an IV antibiotic.
D. Initiating the administration of whole blood or plasma expanders.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In many states including Ohio, an IV-certified LPN is permitted to initiate and
hang the first bag of an antibiotic. However, LPNs are generally prohibited from initiating
TPN, blood products, or administering IV push medications. It is critical for the LPN to
understand their specific state’s Nurse Practice Act to ensure patient safety and legal
compliance.
3. A patient is receiving 0.45% Sodium Chloride. Into which category of osmolarity does this
solution fall?
A. Hypotonic
B. Isotonic
C. Hypertonic
D. Colloid
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: 0.45% Sodium Chloride, also known as half-normal saline, is a hypotonic
solution because its osmolarity is lower than that of serum. This type of fluid causes water
to shift out of the blood vessels and into the cells to hydrate them. Nurses must monitor for
signs of cellular swelling and decreased blood pressure when administering hypotonic
fluids.
, 4. What is the primary rationale for ‘scrubbing the hub’ of an IV needleless connector for at
least 15 seconds?
A. To prevent the entry of microorganisms into the bloodstream.
B. To ensure the connector is lubricated for easier access.
C. To check the patency of the IV catheter.
D. To prevent the catheter from clotting off.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Friction during scrubbing is essential to mechanically remove biofilm and
pathogens from the connector surface. This practice is a key component of ‘Central Line-
Associated Bloodstream Infection’ (CLABSI) prevention bundles. Failure to scrub the hub
properly can introduce bacteria directly into the patient’s systemic circulation.
5. Which complication is characterized by a sudden onset of chest pain, dyspnea, tachycardia,
and a ‘churning’ sound heard over the heart?
A. Speed shock
B. Air embolism
C. Pulmonary edema
D. Septicemia
Correct Answer: B
Intravenous Therapy for the Practical
Nurse Q&A with Rationale | Hondros
College of Nursing
1. Which of the following signs most accurately indicates that an intravenous (IV) infusion has
infiltrated?
A. Coolness of the skin and edema around the site.
B. A red streak tracking up the patient’s arm.
C. Heat and redness around the insertion site.
D. Purulent drainage leaking from the catheter hub.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Infiltration occurs when non-vesicant fluid leaks into the surrounding
subcutaneous tissue. Common clinical manifestations include localized swelling, coolness
to the touch, and pallor at the site. The nurse must immediately stop the infusion and
remove the catheter to prevent further tissue damage.
2. According to the Ohio Board of Nursing LPN scope of practice, which IV-related task is an
LPN permitted to perform?
A. Administering IV push medications such as morphine.
B. Initiating a primary infusion of Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN).
,C. Administering the first dose of an IV antibiotic.
D. Initiating the administration of whole blood or plasma expanders.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In many states including Ohio, an IV-certified LPN is permitted to initiate and
hang the first bag of an antibiotic. However, LPNs are generally prohibited from initiating
TPN, blood products, or administering IV push medications. It is critical for the LPN to
understand their specific state’s Nurse Practice Act to ensure patient safety and legal
compliance.
3. A patient is receiving 0.45% Sodium Chloride. Into which category of osmolarity does this
solution fall?
A. Hypotonic
B. Isotonic
C. Hypertonic
D. Colloid
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: 0.45% Sodium Chloride, also known as half-normal saline, is a hypotonic
solution because its osmolarity is lower than that of serum. This type of fluid causes water
to shift out of the blood vessels and into the cells to hydrate them. Nurses must monitor for
signs of cellular swelling and decreased blood pressure when administering hypotonic
fluids.
, 4. What is the primary rationale for ‘scrubbing the hub’ of an IV needleless connector for at
least 15 seconds?
A. To prevent the entry of microorganisms into the bloodstream.
B. To ensure the connector is lubricated for easier access.
C. To check the patency of the IV catheter.
D. To prevent the catheter from clotting off.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Friction during scrubbing is essential to mechanically remove biofilm and
pathogens from the connector surface. This practice is a key component of ‘Central Line-
Associated Bloodstream Infection’ (CLABSI) prevention bundles. Failure to scrub the hub
properly can introduce bacteria directly into the patient’s systemic circulation.
5. Which complication is characterized by a sudden onset of chest pain, dyspnea, tachycardia,
and a ‘churning’ sound heard over the heart?
A. Speed shock
B. Air embolism
C. Pulmonary edema
D. Septicemia
Correct Answer: B
