NUR172/NUR 172 Exam 1 V2 | Intravenous
Therapy for the Practical Nurse Q&A with
Rationale | Hondros College of Nursing
1. According to the Ohio Nurse Practice Act, which of the following is an authorized IV
therapy task for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)?
A. Hanging the first bag of an IV antibiotic.
B. Initiating an IV on a 12-year-old patient.
C. Injecting medication via the IV push route.
D. Initiating a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC).
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In many states including Ohio, the LPN is permitted to hang subsequent and
sometimes initial bags of premixed antibiotic solutions. The LPN scope generally restricts
initiating IVs to patients 18 years or older and prohibits IV push medications. This role
focuses on maintaining the safety and efficacy of the infusion while adhering to the state
board of nursing guidelines.
2. Which intravenous solution is classified as hypotonic?
A. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
B. Lactated Ringer’s
C. 0.9% Normal Saline
,D. 5% Dextrose in 0.9% Normal Saline
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 plasma. This causes fluid to move from
the intravascular space into the intracellular space to balance concentrations. It is
commonly used for cellular dehydration but must be monitored closely to prevent cellular
swelling or cerebral edema.
3. A patient presents with redness, warmth, and a palpable cord along the vein used for IV
therapy. Which complication is most likely occurring?
A. Infiltration
B. Extravasation
C. Phlebitis
D. Circulatory Overload
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Phlebitis is the inflammation of the inner lining of a vein, often characterized by
pain, warmth, and a red streak over the vein. A palpable cord is a classic sign of advanced
phlebitis. The nurse should immediately discontinue the IV and apply a warm compress to
alleviate symptoms.
4. What is the primary purpose of the ‘scrub the hub’ protocol prior to accessing an IV port?
A. To prevent the entry of microorganisms into the bloodstream.
, B. To ensure the needle enters the port easily.
C. To check the patency of the IV catheter.
D. To cool the site for patient comfort.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Scrubbing the hub with an antiseptic agent for at least 15 seconds is a critical
step in preventing Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections (CRBSIs). This mechanical
friction removes biofilm and transient bacteria from the access point. Maintaining aseptic
technique is a core competency for LPNs providing IV therapy.
5. Which electrolyte is the major cation found in the extracellular fluid (ECF)?
A. Sodium
B. Magnesium
C. Potassium
D. Phosphate
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sodium is the primary cation in the extracellular fluid and plays a major role in
maintaining osmotic pressure and fluid balance. Potassium, by contrast, is the primary
intracellular cation. Proper sodium levels are essential for nerve impulse transmission and
muscle contraction.
Therapy for the Practical Nurse Q&A with
Rationale | Hondros College of Nursing
1. According to the Ohio Nurse Practice Act, which of the following is an authorized IV
therapy task for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)?
A. Hanging the first bag of an IV antibiotic.
B. Initiating an IV on a 12-year-old patient.
C. Injecting medication via the IV push route.
D. Initiating a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC).
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In many states including Ohio, the LPN is permitted to hang subsequent and
sometimes initial bags of premixed antibiotic solutions. The LPN scope generally restricts
initiating IVs to patients 18 years or older and prohibits IV push medications. This role
focuses on maintaining the safety and efficacy of the infusion while adhering to the state
board of nursing guidelines.
2. Which intravenous solution is classified as hypotonic?
A. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
B. Lactated Ringer’s
C. 0.9% Normal Saline
,D. 5% Dextrose in 0.9% Normal Saline
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 plasma. This causes fluid to move from
the intravascular space into the intracellular space to balance concentrations. It is
commonly used for cellular dehydration but must be monitored closely to prevent cellular
swelling or cerebral edema.
3. A patient presents with redness, warmth, and a palpable cord along the vein used for IV
therapy. Which complication is most likely occurring?
A. Infiltration
B. Extravasation
C. Phlebitis
D. Circulatory Overload
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Phlebitis is the inflammation of the inner lining of a vein, often characterized by
pain, warmth, and a red streak over the vein. A palpable cord is a classic sign of advanced
phlebitis. The nurse should immediately discontinue the IV and apply a warm compress to
alleviate symptoms.
4. What is the primary purpose of the ‘scrub the hub’ protocol prior to accessing an IV port?
A. To prevent the entry of microorganisms into the bloodstream.
, B. To ensure the needle enters the port easily.
C. To check the patency of the IV catheter.
D. To cool the site for patient comfort.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Scrubbing the hub with an antiseptic agent for at least 15 seconds is a critical
step in preventing Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections (CRBSIs). This mechanical
friction removes biofilm and transient bacteria from the access point. Maintaining aseptic
technique is a core competency for LPNs providing IV therapy.
5. Which electrolyte is the major cation found in the extracellular fluid (ECF)?
A. Sodium
B. Magnesium
C. Potassium
D. Phosphate
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sodium is the primary cation in the extracellular fluid and plays a major role in
maintaining osmotic pressure and fluid balance. Potassium, by contrast, is the primary
intracellular cation. Proper sodium levels are essential for nerve impulse transmission and
muscle contraction.
