NUR172/NUR 172 Exam 1 V1 | 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 veins is an LPN permitted
to use for initiating intravenous therapy?
A. Jugular vein
B. Basilic vein of the forearm
C. Scalp vein of an infant
D. Femoral vein
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Ohio Board of Nursing specifies that LPNs with IV authorization may only
initiate therapy in peripheral veins. These are limited to the hand, forearm, and antecubital
space. Central veins or veins in the head or lower extremities are outside the scope of
practice for the LPN.
2. A nurse is administering a hypertonic solution to a patient. What is the primary
physiological effect of this solution on the body’s cells?
A. Cells swell as fluid moves into the intracellular space
B. Cells remain the same size with no fluid shift
C. Fluid moves equally in both directions across the membrane
,D. Cells shrink as fluid moves into the extracellular space
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hypertonic solutions have a higher osmolarity than the intracellular fluid. This
osmotic pressure pulls water out of the cells and into the vascular compartment. It is
essential to monitor for fluid volume overload when administering these solutions.
3. Which of the following assessments is most indicative of phlebitis at a peripheral IV site?
A. Coolness of the skin around the insertion site
B. A palpable venous cord and warmth
C. Painless swelling around the catheter tip
D. Dampness of the dressing without skin discoloration
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Phlebitis is characterized by inflammation of the vein wall. Common signs
include redness, heat, and a hard, cord-like feeling along the vein. The nurse should
immediately discontinue the IV and apply warm compresses to the area.
4. An LPN is caring for a patient receiving 0.9% Normal Saline. This solution is categorized as
which of the following?
A. Isotonic
B. Hypotonic
C. Hypertonic
, D. Colloid
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: 0.9% Normal Saline is an isotonic solution because its osmolarity is similar to
that of blood plasma. It expands the extracellular fluid volume without causing significant
shifts into or out of the cells. It is frequently used for fluid resuscitation and sodium
replacement.
5. What is the primary purpose of the ‘Scrub the Hub’ protocol before accessing an IV port?
A. To prevent the introduction of microorganisms into the bloodstream
B. To ensure the needle enters the port easily
C. To check if the IV site is still patent
D. To remove old adhesive residue from the tubing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Scrubbing the access port with an antiseptic for at least 15 seconds is a critical
step in preventing catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI). This friction removes
the biofilm that can form on the surface of the connector. Consistent adherence to this
practice significantly improves patient safety outcomes.
6. A patient complains of sudden chest pain and shortness of breath while the IV tubing is
being changed. Which complication should the nurse suspect?
A. Infiltration
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 veins is an LPN permitted
to use for initiating intravenous therapy?
A. Jugular vein
B. Basilic vein of the forearm
C. Scalp vein of an infant
D. Femoral vein
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Ohio Board of Nursing specifies that LPNs with IV authorization may only
initiate therapy in peripheral veins. These are limited to the hand, forearm, and antecubital
space. Central veins or veins in the head or lower extremities are outside the scope of
practice for the LPN.
2. A nurse is administering a hypertonic solution to a patient. What is the primary
physiological effect of this solution on the body’s cells?
A. Cells swell as fluid moves into the intracellular space
B. Cells remain the same size with no fluid shift
C. Fluid moves equally in both directions across the membrane
,D. Cells shrink as fluid moves into the extracellular space
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hypertonic solutions have a higher osmolarity than the intracellular fluid. This
osmotic pressure pulls water out of the cells and into the vascular compartment. It is
essential to monitor for fluid volume overload when administering these solutions.
3. Which of the following assessments is most indicative of phlebitis at a peripheral IV site?
A. Coolness of the skin around the insertion site
B. A palpable venous cord and warmth
C. Painless swelling around the catheter tip
D. Dampness of the dressing without skin discoloration
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Phlebitis is characterized by inflammation of the vein wall. Common signs
include redness, heat, and a hard, cord-like feeling along the vein. The nurse should
immediately discontinue the IV and apply warm compresses to the area.
4. An LPN is caring for a patient receiving 0.9% Normal Saline. This solution is categorized as
which of the following?
A. Isotonic
B. Hypotonic
C. Hypertonic
, D. Colloid
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: 0.9% Normal Saline is an isotonic solution because its osmolarity is similar to
that of blood plasma. It expands the extracellular fluid volume without causing significant
shifts into or out of the cells. It is frequently used for fluid resuscitation and sodium
replacement.
5. What is the primary purpose of the ‘Scrub the Hub’ protocol before accessing an IV port?
A. To prevent the introduction of microorganisms into the bloodstream
B. To ensure the needle enters the port easily
C. To check if the IV site is still patent
D. To remove old adhesive residue from the tubing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Scrubbing the access port with an antiseptic for at least 15 seconds is a critical
step in preventing catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI). This friction removes
the biofilm that can form on the surface of the connector. Consistent adherence to this
practice significantly improves patient safety outcomes.
6. A patient complains of sudden chest pain and shortness of breath while the IV tubing is
being changed. Which complication should the nurse suspect?
A. Infiltration
