NUR 172 Final Exam Hondros College |
Verified Q&A with Rationales | Complete
Sentence Questions & Direct Answers |
LPN/RN Nursing Prep | Grade A
Exam Structure:
Subject: NUR 172 Final Exam – Hondros College (LPN/RN Nursing)
Source: NUR 172 Final Exam Hondros Study Document
Format: Complete Sentence Questions with Direct Answer and Rationale
1. What are the benefits of using an IV pump for a patient?
Correct Answer: The patient can move easily; multiple medications can be
given at once with multi-channel pumps; the pump alarms when the
infusion is finished. A drawback is that it needs to be plugged in sometimes.
Rationale:
1. IV pumps allow patient mobility because they are portable or have
battery backup.
2. Multi-channel pumps can administer several compatible IV medications
simultaneously through separate lines.
3. Alarms notify staff when an infusion is complete, when flow is
obstructed, or when air is detected.
4. A limitation is the need for electrical power, which may restrict
movement if battery life is short.
2. What should you do if an IV pump displays a "non-functional"
alarm?
Correct Answer: Do not use the pump. Tag it as out of service and send it
to the biomedical engineering department.
Rationale:
1. A "non-functional" alarm indicates a mechanical or electrical
malfunction that could compromise patient safety.
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2. Using a malfunctioning pump may result in inaccurate flow rates, free
flow, or failure to alarm appropriately.
3. Only trained biomedical staff should repair or recertify IV pumps.
3. How do you set up an IV piggyback (secondary) infusion for
antibiotics?
Correct Answer: Use secondary tubing that is 30-36 inches long. Hang the
primary bag lower and the secondary (piggyback) bag higher than the
primary bag.
Rationale:
1. The secondary bag is hung higher so that gravity delivers the
piggyback medication before the primary fluid.
2. A backcheck valve in the primary line prevents fluid from flowing
backward into the primary bag.
3. Secondary tubing length (30-36 inches) allows the medication to
hang above the primary bag while keeping the setup manageable.
4. What is a Biopatch and how is it used?
Correct Answer: "Blue to the sky" (the blue side faces away from the skin).
It absorbs bacteria and is placed around catheter insertion sites to reduce
infection risk.
Rationale:
1. Biopatch contains chlorhexidine, which has antibacterial properties.
2. The blue side is placed facing outward (away from the skin) for proper
orientation.
3. It is changed with each dressing change to maintain antimicrobial
activity.
5. What are the signs and symptoms of pulmonary edema?
Correct Answer: Cough, dyspnea (shortness of breath), restlessness, and
crackles (rales) on auscultation.
Rationale:
1. Pulmonary edema results from fluid accumulation in the lung
interstitium and alveoli.
2. Crackles are caused by air moving through fluid-filled airways.
3. Restlessness and dyspnea occur due to hypoxia and increased work of
breathing.
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4. Blood-tinged, frothy sputum may appear in severe cases.
6. How does an IV line become a source of infection?
Correct Answer: Through the opening in the skin at the insertion site,
through access points (hubs, stopcocks, needleless connectors), and
because the catheter provides a direct pathway into the bloodstream.
Rationale:
1. Any break in the skin allows bacteria to enter.
2. Each time the hub or port is accessed, there is a risk of introducing
pathogens.
3. The intravascular catheter provides a direct route for bacteria to enter
the bloodstream, potentially causing septicemia.
7. What are the signs of IV infiltration?
Correct Answer: Cool skin, taut skin, and edema (swelling) at the IV site.
Rationale:
1. Infiltration occurs when IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue
instead of the vein.
2. Coolness results from the temperature of the infusing fluid (usually
room temperature or cooler).
3. Taut, swollen skin indicates fluid accumulation in the interstitial space.
4. Pallor and blanching may also be present.
8. What should you do if you suspect a bloodstream infection related
to an IV line?
Correct Answer: Report signs and symptoms to the doctor, anticipate
obtaining a blood culture (do not discard the IV catheter; save it for
culture), and prepare to administer antibiotics, fluids, and oxygen as
ordered.
Rationale:
1. The IV catheter tip is often cultured to identify the causative organism.
2. Early notification of the provider allows prompt initiation of
appropriate antibiotics.
3. Fluids and oxygen support blood pressure and tissue oxygenation
during sepsis.