IV Therapy and Fluid Management Flashcards
7 cards from real LPN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 IV Therapy and Fluid Management flashcards as text
A patient's IV site shows redness, warmth, and a palpable cord along the vein. Which condition does this describe?
Answer: Phlebitis
Phlebitis presents with redness, warmth, swelling, and a palpable cord (hardened vein) along the IV site.
The LPN is hanging a new IV bag of D5W. Which electrolyte imbalance is a risk with prolonged D5W infusion?
Answer: Hyponatremia
Prolonged D5W infusion can dilute serum sodium levels, leading to hyponatremia (dilutional).
A patient receiving IV potassium chloride reports burning at the IV site. What is the priority nursing action?
Answer: Slow the infusion rate
Slowing the infusion rate reduces the burning sensation; potassium is irritating to veins and must never be given as an IV push.
Which IV fluid is classified as an isotonic crystalloid solution?
Answer: 0.9% NaCl
0.9% NaCl (normal saline) is isotonic, with an osmolarity close to plasma (~308 mOsm/L).
A patient develops sudden dyspnea, hypotension, and a 'churning' heart sound during IV therapy. Which complication is most likely?
Answer: Air embolism
Air embolism presents with sudden dyspnea, hypotension, chest pain, and a characteristic 'millwheel' murmur.
When calculating IV flow rate using a standard macrodrip tubing (10 gtt/mL), how many drops per minute are needed to infuse 500 mL over 4 hours?
Answer: 21 gtt/min
500 mL ÷ 4 hr = 125 mL/hr; 125 × 10 ÷ 60 = 20.8 ≈ 21 gtt/min.
The LPN notes that a patient's urine output has been less than 30 mL/hour for 2 consecutive hours during IV fluid therapy. What should the nurse do first?
Answer: Assess the patient for signs of dehydration or fluid overload
Urine output below 30 mL/hr may indicate inadequate perfusion or fluid imbalance, requiring immediate patient assessment before any intervention.