NUR172/NUR 172 Exam 2 V2 | Intravenous
Therapy for the Practical Nurse Q&A with
Rationale | Hondros College of Nursing
1. Which of the following intravenous solutions is classified as hypotonic?
A. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
B. 5% Dextrose in 0.9% Sodium Chloride
C. Lactated Ringer’s
D. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: 0.45% Sodium Chloride is a hypotonic solution because its osmolarity is lower
than that of serum. These solutions shift fluid from the intravascular space into the
intracellular space to rehydrate cells. The nurse must monitor for signs of increased
intracranial pressure as cells may swell during administration.
2. A patient presents with edema, coolness at the IV site, and a slowed infusion rate. What is
the most likely complication?
A. Phlebitis
B. Thrombophlebitis
C. Extravasation
D. Infiltration
,Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Infiltration occurs when non-vesicant IV fluid leaks into the surrounding
subcutaneous tissue. Common signs include skin that is cool to the touch, localized
swelling, and discomfort. The nurse should stop the infusion immediately and elevate the
extremity to promote absorption of the fluid.
3. According to the Ohio Board of Nursing, which action is within the scope of practice for an
IV-certified LPN?
A. Inserting a PICC line
B. Hanging the first bag of blood components
C. Changing the settings on a PCA pump
D. Initiating the first dose of an IV antibiotic
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: An IV-certified LPN is permitted to initiate and maintain certain IV therapies,
including the first dose of antibiotics after the RN has performed the initial assessment.
LPNs are prohibited from initiating blood transfusions or managing PCA pumps according
to standard scope limitations. Documentation of the certification status must be maintained
by the employing facility.
4. Which electrolyte is primarily responsible for maintaining extracellular fluid (ECF)
osmolarity?
A. Potassium
, B. Magnesium
C. Sodium
D. Calcium
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sodium is the dominant cation in the extracellular fluid and plays a critical role
in water balance. Changes in sodium levels directly affect the movement of water between
compartments via osmosis. The nurse must monitor serum sodium levels closely when
administering hypertonic or hypotonic solutions.
5. A patient is receiving 3% Sodium Chloride. For which complication should the nurse
monitor most closely?
A. Cellular dehydration
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Hypotension
D. Fluid volume overload
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: 3% Sodium Chloride is a highly hypertonic solution that draws fluid from the
intracellular space into the vascular space. This rapid expansion of vascular volume puts
the patient at high risk for pulmonary edema and heart failure. Frequent lung sound
Therapy for the Practical Nurse Q&A with
Rationale | Hondros College of Nursing
1. Which of the following intravenous solutions is classified as hypotonic?
A. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
B. 5% Dextrose in 0.9% Sodium Chloride
C. Lactated Ringer’s
D. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: 0.45% Sodium Chloride is a hypotonic solution because its osmolarity is lower
than that of serum. These solutions shift fluid from the intravascular space into the
intracellular space to rehydrate cells. The nurse must monitor for signs of increased
intracranial pressure as cells may swell during administration.
2. A patient presents with edema, coolness at the IV site, and a slowed infusion rate. What is
the most likely complication?
A. Phlebitis
B. Thrombophlebitis
C. Extravasation
D. Infiltration
,Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Infiltration occurs when non-vesicant IV fluid leaks into the surrounding
subcutaneous tissue. Common signs include skin that is cool to the touch, localized
swelling, and discomfort. The nurse should stop the infusion immediately and elevate the
extremity to promote absorption of the fluid.
3. According to the Ohio Board of Nursing, which action is within the scope of practice for an
IV-certified LPN?
A. Inserting a PICC line
B. Hanging the first bag of blood components
C. Changing the settings on a PCA pump
D. Initiating the first dose of an IV antibiotic
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: An IV-certified LPN is permitted to initiate and maintain certain IV therapies,
including the first dose of antibiotics after the RN has performed the initial assessment.
LPNs are prohibited from initiating blood transfusions or managing PCA pumps according
to standard scope limitations. Documentation of the certification status must be maintained
by the employing facility.
4. Which electrolyte is primarily responsible for maintaining extracellular fluid (ECF)
osmolarity?
A. Potassium
, B. Magnesium
C. Sodium
D. Calcium
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sodium is the dominant cation in the extracellular fluid and plays a critical role
in water balance. Changes in sodium levels directly affect the movement of water between
compartments via osmosis. The nurse must monitor serum sodium levels closely when
administering hypertonic or hypotonic solutions.
5. A patient is receiving 3% Sodium Chloride. For which complication should the nurse
monitor most closely?
A. Cellular dehydration
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Hypotension
D. Fluid volume overload
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: 3% Sodium Chloride is a highly hypertonic solution that draws fluid from the
intracellular space into the vascular space. This rapid expansion of vascular volume puts
the patient at high risk for pulmonary edema and heart failure. Frequent lung sound
