Practice Test Geeks(IV) Intravenous Therapy Certified Practice Test
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IV Complications & Adverse Events Flashcards

6 cards from real IV practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 6 IV Complications & Adverse Events flashcards as text

  1. Which dressing finding at a central line insertion site warrants immediate catheter removal?

    Answer: Purulent drainage with surrounding erythema and induration

    Purulent drainage with surrounding erythema and induration at a central line site indicates local infection and necessitates immediate catheter removal and culture.

  2. A patient's IV catheter becomes positional — fluids run only when the arm is in a specific angle. What is the most appropriate action?

    Answer: Remove the catheter and insert a new one at a different site

    A positional catheter often indicates the tip is against a vessel wall or the catheter is kinked, and the safest intervention is removal and re-insertion at a new site.

  3. Which complication is specifically associated with PICC line insertion and results from catheter tip malposition?

    Answer: Cardiac arrhythmia from atrial or ventricular tip placement

    PICC line tip malposition in the right atrium or ventricle can trigger arrhythmias; tip placement must be confirmed at the cavoatrial junction by X-ray.

  4. What is the primary risk associated with forcefully flushing a catheter that has resistance?

    Answer: Catheter fracture or embolism

    Forcing a flush against resistance can fracture the catheter, potentially causing catheter embolism — a fragment traveling to the heart or pulmonary vasculature.

  5. Which of the following best describes 'speed shock' in IV therapy?

    Answer: Systemic reaction from too-rapid delivery of a drug or solution into circulation

    Speed shock is a systemic reaction caused by too-rapid IV drug delivery, resulting in flushing, headache, chest tightness, and potentially cardiac arrest.

  6. Which action is most effective in preventing catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) during central line insertion?

    Answer: Applying full barrier precautions including sterile drape, gown, gloves, mask, and cap

    Maximal sterile barrier precautions during central line insertion (gown, gloves, mask, cap, and large sterile drape) are the most evidence-based intervention to prevent CRBSI.

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