LVN IV Therapy & Fluid Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient's IV site shows redness, warmth, and a palpable cord along the vein. Which complication is most likely occurring?
- Infiltration
- Phlebitis (Correct answer)
- Air embolism
- Speed shock
Correct answer: Phlebitis
Phlebitis presents with redness, warmth, swelling, and a palpable cord along the vein due to inflammation of the vessel wall.
Question 2: Which IV fluid is considered isotonic and is most commonly used for fluid resuscitation?
- D5W
- 0.45% NaCl
- 0.9% NaCl (Normal Saline) (Correct answer)
- D10W
Correct answer: 0.9% NaCl (Normal Saline)
0.9% NaCl (Normal Saline) is isotonic and remains in the vascular space, making it the standard choice for fluid resuscitation.
Question 3: When calculating IV flow rate using a drop factor of 15 gtt/mL for 1000 mL over 8 hours, what is the correct rate in gtt/min?
- 21 gtt/min
- 31 gtt/min (Correct answer)
- 42 gtt/min
- 125 gtt/min
Correct answer: 31 gtt/min
1000 mL ÷ 8 hr = 125 mL/hr; 125 × 15 ÷ 60 = 31.25, rounded to 31 gtt/min.
Question 4: A patient receiving a blood transfusion develops chills, fever, and back pain within 15 minutes of initiation. What is the priority nursing action?
- Slow the infusion rate
- Administer acetaminophen
- Stop the transfusion immediately (Correct answer)
- Notify the physician only
Correct answer: Stop the transfusion immediately
These signs indicate a hemolytic transfusion reaction; the nurse must stop the transfusion immediately to prevent further harm.
Question 5: Which electrolyte imbalance is most associated with skeletal muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, and a serum level below 3.5 mEq/L?
- Hypernatremia
- Hypokalemia (Correct answer)
- Hypermagnesemia
- Hypocalcemia
Correct answer: Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia (serum potassium < 3.5 mEq/L) causes muscle weakness, fatigue, and potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Question 6: An LVN notes that IV fluid is infusing into the subcutaneous tissue rather than the vein. Which term describes this complication?
- Extravasation
- Infiltration (Correct answer)
- Phlebitis
- Thrombosis
Correct answer: Infiltration
Infiltration is the inadvertent administration of non-vesicant IV fluid into surrounding tissue; extravasation refers specifically to vesicant solutions.
Question 7: Which IV access site is preferred for rapid large-volume fluid resuscitation in an adult?
- Hand vein with 24-gauge catheter
- Antecubital vein with 16-gauge catheter (Correct answer)
- External jugular with 20-gauge catheter
- Scalp vein with 22-gauge catheter
Correct answer: Antecubital vein with 16-gauge catheter
A large-bore catheter (16-gauge or larger) in the antecubital vein allows rapid high-volume fluid delivery needed in emergencies.
LVN IV Therapy & Fluid Management 2
A patient's IV site shows redness, warmth, and a palpable cord along the vein.
Which complication is most likely occurring?