CRNI CRNI Peripheral Vascular Access and IV Site Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary advantage of an over-the-needle catheter (ONC) over a steel needle for peripheral IV access?
- Reduced risk of infiltration once the stylet is removed (Correct answer)
- Greater flow rate
- Easier insertion technique
- Lower cost per unit
Correct answer: Reduced risk of infiltration once the stylet is removed
The flexible ONC catheter stays in the vein after the metal stylet is withdrawn, greatly reducing infiltration risk.
Question 2: Which assessment finding is most consistent with early peripheral IV infiltration?
- Cool, pale, swollen skin at the insertion site (Correct answer)
- Redness and warmth tracking along the vein
- Fever and rigors
- Increased drip rate
Correct answer: Cool, pale, swollen skin at the insertion site
Cool, pale, swollen skin indicates fluid has leaked into surrounding tissue rather than flowing through the vein.
Question 3: The INS Infiltration Scale grades infiltration severity on which range?
- 0–4 based on clinical skin assessment findings (Correct answer)
- 1–5 based on patient pain rating
- A–D based on infusate type
- 1–3 based on swelling size
Correct answer: 0–4 based on clinical skin assessment findings
The INS Infiltration Scale uses a 0–4 grading system based on findings such as skin blanching, swelling, and tissue integrity.
Question 4: Which factor most increases the risk of chemical phlebitis during peripheral IV therapy?
- Infusing hypertonic or irritating solutions (Correct answer)
- Using a large-gauge catheter
- Slow infusion rate
- Frequent site rotation
Correct answer: Infusing hypertonic or irritating solutions
Hypertonic and irritating solutions damage the tunica intima, causing chemical phlebitis.
Question 5: A patient's peripheral IV site shows a 2 cm streak of redness running along the vein. This finding most likely indicates:
- Phlebitis (Correct answer)
- Infiltration
- Extravasation
- Occlusion
Correct answer: Phlebitis
A red streak tracking along the vein is a classic sign of phlebitis, indicating inflammation of the vessel wall.
Question 6: Which catheter material is associated with the lowest risk of phlebitis for peripheral IV access?
- Polyurethane (Correct answer)
- PTFE (Teflon)
- Stainless steel
- Polypropylene
Correct answer: Polyurethane
Polyurethane catheters have superior biocompatibility and flexibility, resulting in lower phlebitis rates compared to PTFE.
CRNI CRNI Peripheral Vascular Access and IV Site Management 2
What is the primary advantage of an over-the-needle catheter (ONC) over a steel needle for peripheral IV access?