Infusion Therapy & Solutions Flashcards
7 cards from real VA-BC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Infusion Therapy & Solutions flashcards as text
What is the maximum osmolarity threshold above which an IV solution should be administered through a central venous access device rather than a peripheral catheter?
Answer: 900 mOsm/L
Solutions exceeding 900 mOsm/L are hypertonic enough to damage peripheral veins and must be infused through a central venous access device.
Which IV solution is considered isotonic and most closely approximates the osmolarity of human blood (approximately 285–295 mOsm/L)?
Answer: 0.9% Normal Saline
0.9% Normal Saline has an osmolarity of approximately 308 mOsm/L, making it isotonic and safe for peripheral infusion.
When administering total parenteral nutrition (TPN) with an osmolarity greater than 900 mOsm/L, which vascular access device is most appropriate?
Answer: Central venous catheter
TPN with high osmolarity requires a central venous catheter to allow dilution in the high-flow superior vena cava and prevent peripheral vein damage.
Which of the following IV solutions is classified as hypotonic?
Answer: 0.45% Normal Saline
0.45% Normal Saline has an osmolarity of approximately 154 mOsm/L, which is below the isotonic range and classified as hypotonic.
A nurse is preparing to administer two IV antibiotics simultaneously. What is the primary concern when mixing IV medications in the same line without a compatible flush between them?
Answer: Drug incompatibility causing precipitation or inactivation
Mixing incompatible IV medications can cause precipitation, inactivation, or toxic byproducts, reducing therapeutic efficacy and potentially harming the patient.
To prevent bacterial proliferation, a unit of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) must be infused within what maximum time frame from initiation?
Answer: 4 hours
Blood products must be infused within 4 hours of initiation per AABB and INS standards to prevent bacterial growth at room temperature.
Which IV solution should be used exclusively for flushing lines and tubing before and after blood product administration?
Answer: 0.9% Normal Saline
Only 0.9% Normal Saline is compatible with blood products; D5W can cause hemolysis and Lactated Ringer's contains calcium that can promote clot formation.