LPN IV Therapy and Fluid Management

Question 1

A client's IV site is red, warm, painful, and has a palpable cord along the vein. The LPN should document this as:

Accepted Answer

Phlebitis

Answer

Redness, warmth, pain, and a palpable cord along a vein are classic signs of phlebitis — inflammation of the vein wall, a common IV complication.

Question 2

A client receiving IV vancomycin develops flushing, erythema, and pruritus on the face and neck during the infusion. The LPN recognizes this as:

Accepted Answer

Red Man Syndrome — an infusion-rate reaction requiring slowing the infusion

Answer

Red Man Syndrome is a non-immune, infusion-rate-dependent reaction to vancomycin causing histamine release. It is treated by slowing the infusion, not stopping it, and may be prevented with diphenhydramine.

Question 3

The LPN is calculating an IV flow rate. An order reads: Infuse 1,000 mL 0.9% NaCl over 8 hours. The drip factor is 20 gtts/mL. What is the correct flow rate in gtts/min?

Accepted Answer

42 gtts/min

Answer

Formula: Volume (mL) ÷ Time (min) × Drip factor = 1000 ÷ 480 × 20 = 41.7 ≈ 42 gtts/min.

Question 4

A client is receiving a blood transfusion. After 15 minutes, the client develops a temperature of 38.7°C (101.7°F), chills, and back pain. The LPN's first action is:

Accepted Answer

Stop the transfusion immediately, keep the IV line open with normal saline, and notify the charge nurse

Answer

Fever, chills, and back pain during a transfusion suggest an acute hemolytic reaction (ABO incompatibility). The transfusion must be stopped immediately, the line kept open with NS, and the charge nurse notified.

Question 5

A client has a peripheral IV infusing. The nurse notices the infusion site is cool, pale, puffy, and non-painful. The LPN documents this as:

Accepted Answer

Infiltration

Answer

Coolness, pallor, swelling, and absence of pain at an IV site indicate infiltration — IV fluid leaking into the subcutaneous tissue from a displaced or perforated catheter.

(LPN) Certified Practical Nurse Practice Test

(LPN) Certified Practical Nurse Practice Test

LPN IV Therapy and Fluid Management