IV IV Complications & Adverse Events 3

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Purulent drainage with surrounding erythema and induration

Answer

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

Question 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?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Cardiac arrhythmia from atrial or ventricular tip placement

Answer

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.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Catheter fracture or embolism

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

(IV) Intravenous Therapy Certified Practice Test

(IV) Intravenous Therapy Certified Practice Test

IV IV Complications & Adverse Events 3