NUR172/NUR 172 Exam 2 V1 | Intravenous
Therapy for the Practical Nurse Q&A with
Rationale | Hondros College of Nursing
1. A nurse is assessing a patient’s IV site and notes coolness, swelling, and pallor at the
insertion site. Which complication is most likely occurring?
A. Phlebitis
B. Infiltration
C. Septicemia
D. Extravasation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Infiltration occurs when non-vesicant IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue.
The clinical manifestations include coolness, edema, and pallor at the site. The nurse should
immediately stop the infusion and remove the catheter to prevent further tissue damage.
2. The nurse is monitoring a patient receiving 3% Sodium Chloride. Which assessment finding
requires immediate intervention?
A. Serum sodium of 135 mEq/L
B. Clear breath sounds
C. Crackles in the lung bases
,D. Increased urinary output
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypertonic solutions like 3% Sodium Chloride pull fluid into the vascular space,
increasing the risk of fluid volume overload. Crackles in the lungs are a primary indicator of
pulmonary edema and fluid excess. The nurse must monitor respiratory status closely and
notify the provider if these symptoms develop.
3. Which type of solution is intended to provide free water and help move fluid from the
vascular space into the cells?
A. Isotonic
B. Hypertonic
C. Hypotonic
D. Colloid
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypotonic solutions have a lower osmolarity than plasma, causing water to
shift into the intracellular space. These solutions are commonly used to treat cellular
dehydration. Examples include 0.45% Sodium Chloride and are contraindicated in patients
with increased intracranial pressure.
4. Upon entering the room, the nurse notices a red streak running up the patient’s arm from
the IV site. The site is warm to the touch. What is the priority action?
A. Slow the infusion rate
, B. Apply a cold compress
C. Discontinue the IV and restart elsewhere
D. Flush the line with normal saline
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The symptoms described indicate phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein.
The IV must be discontinued immediately to prevent further irritation or infection. The
nurse should then apply a warm, moist compress to the area to soothe the inflammation.
5. A patient is prescribed Dextrose 5% in Lactated Ringer’s (D5LR). This solution is classified
as:
A. Isotonic
B. Hypotonic
C. Hypertonic
D. Isosmotic
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: D5LR is a hypertonic solution because it contains both dextrose and
electrolytes, making its osmolarity higher than serum. Once the dextrose is metabolized,
the remaining fluid acts as an isotonic solution. It is often used to provide calories and
replace electrolytes in specific patient populations.
Therapy for the Practical Nurse Q&A with
Rationale | Hondros College of Nursing
1. A nurse is assessing a patient’s IV site and notes coolness, swelling, and pallor at the
insertion site. Which complication is most likely occurring?
A. Phlebitis
B. Infiltration
C. Septicemia
D. Extravasation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Infiltration occurs when non-vesicant IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue.
The clinical manifestations include coolness, edema, and pallor at the site. The nurse should
immediately stop the infusion and remove the catheter to prevent further tissue damage.
2. The nurse is monitoring a patient receiving 3% Sodium Chloride. Which assessment finding
requires immediate intervention?
A. Serum sodium of 135 mEq/L
B. Clear breath sounds
C. Crackles in the lung bases
,D. Increased urinary output
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypertonic solutions like 3% Sodium Chloride pull fluid into the vascular space,
increasing the risk of fluid volume overload. Crackles in the lungs are a primary indicator of
pulmonary edema and fluid excess. The nurse must monitor respiratory status closely and
notify the provider if these symptoms develop.
3. Which type of solution is intended to provide free water and help move fluid from the
vascular space into the cells?
A. Isotonic
B. Hypertonic
C. Hypotonic
D. Colloid
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypotonic solutions have a lower osmolarity than plasma, causing water to
shift into the intracellular space. These solutions are commonly used to treat cellular
dehydration. Examples include 0.45% Sodium Chloride and are contraindicated in patients
with increased intracranial pressure.
4. Upon entering the room, the nurse notices a red streak running up the patient’s arm from
the IV site. The site is warm to the touch. What is the priority action?
A. Slow the infusion rate
, B. Apply a cold compress
C. Discontinue the IV and restart elsewhere
D. Flush the line with normal saline
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The symptoms described indicate phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein.
The IV must be discontinued immediately to prevent further irritation or infection. The
nurse should then apply a warm, moist compress to the area to soothe the inflammation.
5. A patient is prescribed Dextrose 5% in Lactated Ringer’s (D5LR). This solution is classified
as:
A. Isotonic
B. Hypotonic
C. Hypertonic
D. Isosmotic
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: D5LR is a hypertonic solution because it contains both dextrose and
electrolytes, making its osmolarity higher than serum. Once the dextrose is metabolized,
the remaining fluid acts as an isotonic solution. It is often used to provide calories and
replace electrolytes in specific patient populations.
