NUR172/NUR 172 Exam 1 V3 | Intravenous
Therapy for the Practical Nurse Q&A with
Rationale | Hondros College of Nursing
1. Which of the following describes the LPN’s role in peripheral IV therapy for an adult patient
according to typical state board regulations taught in NUR172?
A. Initiating a central venous catheter.
B. Initiating a peripheral IV in the hand, forearm, or antecubital space.
C. Administering IV push medications such as morphine.
D. Repairing a central line catheter.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Licensed Practical Nurse is permitted to initiate and maintain peripheral IV
therapy in specific locations such as the hand and arm for adult patients. Central line
insertion is strictly a provider-level skill and is outside the LPN scope of practice. IV push
medications are generally reserved for Registered Nurses or require advanced certification
depending on the specific facility and state law.
2. A patient is prescribed 0.45% Sodium Chloride. Into which category of IV fluids does this
fall?
A. Isotonic
B. Hypotonic
,C. Hypertonic
D. Colloid
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: 0.45% Sodium Chloride, also known as half-normal saline, is a hypotonic
solution because its osmolarity is lower than that of serum. This solution is used to shift
fluid out of the blood vessels and into the cells to treat cellular dehydration. Practical
nurses must monitor for signs of fluid volume deficit in the intravascular space when
administering this fluid.
3. What is the primary physiological effect of a hypertonic solution when administered
intravenously?
A. It maintains an equal balance of fluid between spaces.
B. It causes water to move from the bloodstream into the cells.
C. It causes water to move from the cells into the bloodstream.
D. It decreases the osmotic pressure in the plasma.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypertonic solutions have a higher solute concentration than the intracellular
fluid, creating an osmotic pull. This results in water being drawn out of the cells and into
the vascular compartment, which can lead to cellular shrinkage. These solutions are often
used to treat specific electrolyte imbalances or reduce cerebral edema under close
supervision.
, 4. Which gauge size is most appropriate for a patient who requires a rapid infusion of blood
or large volumes of fluid in an emergency?
A. 24-gauge
B. 22-gauge
C. 26-gauge
D. 18-gauge
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: An 18-gauge needle has a larger lumen which allows for the rapid
administration of fluids and prevents the hemolysis of red blood cells during transfusion.
Smaller gauges like 22 or 24 are suitable for routine infusions but would be too restrictive
for trauma or rapid resuscitation. Selecting the correct catheter size is a critical component
of IV therapy assessment for the LPN.
5. Upon assessment, the nurse notes the IV site is cool to the touch, swollen, and the patient
reports discomfort. The infusion has slowed down significantly. These are clinical signs of:
A. Phlebitis
B. Infection
C. Infiltration
D. Thrombosis
Correct Answer: C
Therapy for the Practical Nurse Q&A with
Rationale | Hondros College of Nursing
1. Which of the following describes the LPN’s role in peripheral IV therapy for an adult patient
according to typical state board regulations taught in NUR172?
A. Initiating a central venous catheter.
B. Initiating a peripheral IV in the hand, forearm, or antecubital space.
C. Administering IV push medications such as morphine.
D. Repairing a central line catheter.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Licensed Practical Nurse is permitted to initiate and maintain peripheral IV
therapy in specific locations such as the hand and arm for adult patients. Central line
insertion is strictly a provider-level skill and is outside the LPN scope of practice. IV push
medications are generally reserved for Registered Nurses or require advanced certification
depending on the specific facility and state law.
2. A patient is prescribed 0.45% Sodium Chloride. Into which category of IV fluids does this
fall?
A. Isotonic
B. Hypotonic
,C. Hypertonic
D. Colloid
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: 0.45% Sodium Chloride, also known as half-normal saline, is a hypotonic
solution because its osmolarity is lower than that of serum. This solution is used to shift
fluid out of the blood vessels and into the cells to treat cellular dehydration. Practical
nurses must monitor for signs of fluid volume deficit in the intravascular space when
administering this fluid.
3. What is the primary physiological effect of a hypertonic solution when administered
intravenously?
A. It maintains an equal balance of fluid between spaces.
B. It causes water to move from the bloodstream into the cells.
C. It causes water to move from the cells into the bloodstream.
D. It decreases the osmotic pressure in the plasma.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypertonic solutions have a higher solute concentration than the intracellular
fluid, creating an osmotic pull. This results in water being drawn out of the cells and into
the vascular compartment, which can lead to cellular shrinkage. These solutions are often
used to treat specific electrolyte imbalances or reduce cerebral edema under close
supervision.
, 4. Which gauge size is most appropriate for a patient who requires a rapid infusion of blood
or large volumes of fluid in an emergency?
A. 24-gauge
B. 22-gauge
C. 26-gauge
D. 18-gauge
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: An 18-gauge needle has a larger lumen which allows for the rapid
administration of fluids and prevents the hemolysis of red blood cells during transfusion.
Smaller gauges like 22 or 24 are suitable for routine infusions but would be too restrictive
for trauma or rapid resuscitation. Selecting the correct catheter size is a critical component
of IV therapy assessment for the LPN.
5. Upon assessment, the nurse notes the IV site is cool to the touch, swollen, and the patient
reports discomfort. The infusion has slowed down significantly. These are clinical signs of:
A. Phlebitis
B. Infection
C. Infiltration
D. Thrombosis
Correct Answer: C
