NUR172/NUR 172 Final Exam V1 |
Intravenous Therapy for the Practical
Nurse Q&A with Rationale | Hondros
College of Nursing
1. Which of the following intravenous solutions is classified as isotonic?
A. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
B. 5% Dextrose in 0.9% Sodium Chloride
C. 3% Sodium Chloride
D. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Isotonic solutions have the same osmolarity as serum and other body fluids.
0.9% Sodium Chloride, also known as Normal Saline, expands the extracellular fluid
volume without causing a fluid shift. It is commonly used for extracellular volume
replacement and during resuscitation.
2. According to the Ohio Board of Nursing, which task is within the scope of practice for an IV-
certified LPN?
A. Administering a bolus of Heparin
B. Initiating the first dose of an IV antibiotic
C. Administering IV push Furosemide
,D. Changing the dressing on a central venous catheter
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: LPNs in Ohio are permitted to perform dressing changes on central venous lines
using sterile technique. However, they are generally prohibited from administering IV push
medications or the initial dose of an IV antibiotic. These restrictions ensure patient safety
regarding potential allergic reactions or rapid systemic effects.
3. A nurse notes that a patient’s IV site is cool to the touch, swollen, and pale. These findings
are characteristic of:
A. Phlebitis
B. Thrombosis
C. Extravasation
D. Infiltration
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Infiltration occurs when non-vesicant IV fluid leaks into the surrounding
subcutaneous tissue. Common signs include localized swelling, coolness, and blanching of
the skin at the site. The nurse should immediately stop the infusion and remove the
catheter to prevent further tissue damage.
4. What is the primary sign of systemic fluid volume excess (FVE) that a nurse should monitor
for during IV therapy?
A. Auscultation of crackles in the lungs
, B. Dry mucous membranes
C. Decreased blood pressure
D. Tented skin turgor
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fluid volume excess occurs when the body retains more water and sodium than
it needs. Crackles in the lungs indicate fluid moving into the alveoli, which is a serious
complication. Other signs include distended neck veins, edema, and rapid weight gain.
5. A patient is prescribed 1000 mL of 0.9% NS to be infused over 8 hours. The drop factor is 15
gtt/mL. What is the correct drip rate in gtt/min?
A. 21 gtt/min
B. 125 gtt/min
C. 42 gtt/min
D. 31 gtt/min
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: To calculate the drip rate, use the formula (Volume in mL × Drop Factor) / Time
in minutes. (1000 mL × 15 gtt/mL) / 480 minutes equals approximately 31.25. Therefore,
the nurse should set the rate at 31 gtt/min.
Intravenous Therapy for the Practical
Nurse Q&A with Rationale | Hondros
College of Nursing
1. Which of the following intravenous solutions is classified as isotonic?
A. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
B. 5% Dextrose in 0.9% Sodium Chloride
C. 3% Sodium Chloride
D. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Isotonic solutions have the same osmolarity as serum and other body fluids.
0.9% Sodium Chloride, also known as Normal Saline, expands the extracellular fluid
volume without causing a fluid shift. It is commonly used for extracellular volume
replacement and during resuscitation.
2. According to the Ohio Board of Nursing, which task is within the scope of practice for an IV-
certified LPN?
A. Administering a bolus of Heparin
B. Initiating the first dose of an IV antibiotic
C. Administering IV push Furosemide
,D. Changing the dressing on a central venous catheter
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: LPNs in Ohio are permitted to perform dressing changes on central venous lines
using sterile technique. However, they are generally prohibited from administering IV push
medications or the initial dose of an IV antibiotic. These restrictions ensure patient safety
regarding potential allergic reactions or rapid systemic effects.
3. A nurse notes that a patient’s IV site is cool to the touch, swollen, and pale. These findings
are characteristic of:
A. Phlebitis
B. Thrombosis
C. Extravasation
D. Infiltration
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Infiltration occurs when non-vesicant IV fluid leaks into the surrounding
subcutaneous tissue. Common signs include localized swelling, coolness, and blanching of
the skin at the site. The nurse should immediately stop the infusion and remove the
catheter to prevent further tissue damage.
4. What is the primary sign of systemic fluid volume excess (FVE) that a nurse should monitor
for during IV therapy?
A. Auscultation of crackles in the lungs
, B. Dry mucous membranes
C. Decreased blood pressure
D. Tented skin turgor
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fluid volume excess occurs when the body retains more water and sodium than
it needs. Crackles in the lungs indicate fluid moving into the alveoli, which is a serious
complication. Other signs include distended neck veins, edema, and rapid weight gain.
5. A patient is prescribed 1000 mL of 0.9% NS to be infused over 8 hours. The drop factor is 15
gtt/mL. What is the correct drip rate in gtt/min?
A. 21 gtt/min
B. 125 gtt/min
C. 42 gtt/min
D. 31 gtt/min
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: To calculate the drip rate, use the formula (Volume in mL × Drop Factor) / Time
in minutes. (1000 mL × 15 gtt/mL) / 480 minutes equals approximately 31.25. Therefore,
the nurse should set the rate at 31 gtt/min.
