LPN Reduction of Risk Potential 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client is prescribed potassium chloride 40 mEq IV. Which action is correct for the LPN?
- Administer it as a rapid IV push over 2 minutes
- Dilute it and infuse no faster than 10 mEq/hour peripherally (Correct answer)
- Mix it in a 50 mL bag and infuse over 15 minutes
- Give it undiluted through a central line only
Correct answer: Dilute it and infuse no faster than 10 mEq/hour peripherally
IV potassium must always be diluted and infused slowly (no more than 10 mEq/hr peripherally) to prevent cardiac arrhythmias and vein irritation.
Question 2: Which finding in a client receiving a blood transfusion requires the LPN to stop the transfusion immediately?
- Temperature increase of 0.5°F from baseline
- Mild itching at the IV site
- Chills, back pain, and dark urine (Correct answer)
- Blood pressure 130/80 mmHg
Correct answer: Chills, back pain, and dark urine
Chills, flank/back pain, and hemoglobinuria (dark urine) are classic signs of an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction, which is life-threatening.
Question 3: A client with a history of seizures is admitted. Which environmental modification is the highest priority?
- Place the bed in the highest position
- Pad the side rails and keep them raised (Correct answer)
- Remove the call light cord
- Keep room lighting bright at all times
Correct answer: Pad the side rails and keep them raised
Padding and raising side rails protects the client from injury if a seizure occurs while in bed.
Question 4: The LPN is reviewing a client's medication list prior to a scheduled CT scan with contrast dye. Which medication should be flagged for the charge nurse?
- Lisinopril
- Metformin (Correct answer)
- Atorvastatin
- Omeprazole
Correct answer: Metformin
Metformin must be held before contrast administration because contrast-induced nephropathy can lead to lactic acidosis in clients taking metformin.
Question 5: A client has a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). Which observation requires immediate action by the LPN?
- A small amount of dried blood at the insertion site
- Arm swelling and pain at the PICC site (Correct answer)
- Clear dressing that is intact and dated
- Fluid infusing at the ordered rate
Correct answer: Arm swelling and pain at the PICC site
Arm swelling and pain at the PICC site can indicate thrombosis or infiltration, both of which require prompt assessment and intervention.
Question 6: Which action by the LPN demonstrates proper technique when performing a sterile catheter insertion?
- Opening the sterile field above waist level after gloving (Correct answer)
- Using clean gloves to insert the catheter
- Touching the sterile drape with bare hands to position it
- Placing sterile items on the bedside table before opening the kit
Correct answer: Opening the sterile field above waist level after gloving
The sterile field must remain above waist level and be handled only with sterile gloves to maintain asepsis during urinary catheterization.
Question 7: A client reports sudden onset of sharp chest pain and dyspnea after a central line insertion. The LPN should suspect which complication?
- Air embolism
- Pneumothorax (Correct answer)
- Hemothorax
- Catheter infection
Correct answer: Pneumothorax
Sudden chest pain and dyspnea immediately after central line insertion are classic signs of a pneumothorax, caused by accidental lung puncture.
LPN Reduction of Risk Potential 3
A client is prescribed potassium chloride 40 mEq IV.
Which action is correct for the LPN?