Infusion Therapy – Study Guide, Practice Questions & Revision Notes
A nurse checking an IV fluid order questions its accuracy. What does the nurse do first? - correct
answer ✔✔Contacts the health care provider who ordered it
(The nurse is responsible for accuracy and has the duty to verify the order with the health care
provider that ordered it.)
A client is to receive an IV solution of 5% dextrose and half-normal saline at 125 mL/hr. Which
system provides the safest method for the nurse to accurately administer this solution? - correct
answer ✔✔Infusion pump
(Infusion pumps are used for drugs or fluids under pressure. They accurately measure the
volume of fluid being infused.)
A client who used to work as a nurse asks, "Why is the hospital using a 'fancy new IV' without a
needle? That seems expensive." How does the nurse respond? - correct answer ✔✔"They
minimize health care workers' exposures to contaminated needles."
(Needleless IVs were designed to protect health care personnel from exposure to contaminated
needles.)
A nurse is documenting peripheral venous catheter insertion for a client. What does the nurse
include in the note? - correct answer ✔✔Client's response to the insertion
Date and time inserted
Type and size of device
Type of dressing applied
Vein that was used for insertion
(The client's ability to adapt to interventions, such as IV insertion, should be noted when the
intervention is performed.
The date and time of the insertion are important data. IV sites need to be routinely monitored
and changed at prescribed intervals. This policy (on IV changing) is provided at all health care
facilities.
, It is important to note the device used (often the brand name is given) as well as all specifics,
such as needle or cannula length, gauge, and material (Teflon).
It is necessary to describe the dressing applied.
The vein that was used should be noted.)
A nurse is teaching a hospitalized client who is being discharged about how to care for a
peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line. Which client statement indicates a need for
further education? - correct answer ✔✔"I can continue my 20-mile running schedule as I have
for the past 10 years."
(Excessive physical activity can dislodge the PICC and should be avoided.)
A nurse is admitting clients to the same-day surgery unit. Which insertion site for routine
peripheral venous catheters does the nurse choose most often? - correct answer ✔✔Cephalic
vein of the forearm
(For same-day surgery, the cephalic or basilic vein allows insertion of a larger IV catheter while
allowing movement of the arm without impairing intravenous flow.)
A client admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) is expected to remain for 3 weeks. The nurse
has orders to start an IV. Which vascular access device does the nurse choose for this client? -
correct answer ✔✔Midline catheter
(Midline catheters are used for therapies lasting from 1 to 4 weeks.)
A 22-year-old client is seen in the emergency department (ED) with acute right lower quadrant
abdominal pain, nausea, and rebound tenderness. It appears that surgery is imminent. What
gauge catheter does the ED nurse choose when starting this client's intravenous (IV) solution? -
correct answer ✔✔18
(An 18-gauge catheter is the size of choice for clients who will undergo surgery. If they need to
receive fluids rapidly, or if they need to receive more viscous fluids (such as blood or blood
products), a lumen of this size would accommodate those needs.)
A nurse checking an IV fluid order questions its accuracy. What does the nurse do first? - correct
answer ✔✔Contacts the health care provider who ordered it
(The nurse is responsible for accuracy and has the duty to verify the order with the health care
provider that ordered it.)
A client is to receive an IV solution of 5% dextrose and half-normal saline at 125 mL/hr. Which
system provides the safest method for the nurse to accurately administer this solution? - correct
answer ✔✔Infusion pump
(Infusion pumps are used for drugs or fluids under pressure. They accurately measure the
volume of fluid being infused.)
A client who used to work as a nurse asks, "Why is the hospital using a 'fancy new IV' without a
needle? That seems expensive." How does the nurse respond? - correct answer ✔✔"They
minimize health care workers' exposures to contaminated needles."
(Needleless IVs were designed to protect health care personnel from exposure to contaminated
needles.)
A nurse is documenting peripheral venous catheter insertion for a client. What does the nurse
include in the note? - correct answer ✔✔Client's response to the insertion
Date and time inserted
Type and size of device
Type of dressing applied
Vein that was used for insertion
(The client's ability to adapt to interventions, such as IV insertion, should be noted when the
intervention is performed.
The date and time of the insertion are important data. IV sites need to be routinely monitored
and changed at prescribed intervals. This policy (on IV changing) is provided at all health care
facilities.
, It is important to note the device used (often the brand name is given) as well as all specifics,
such as needle or cannula length, gauge, and material (Teflon).
It is necessary to describe the dressing applied.
The vein that was used should be noted.)
A nurse is teaching a hospitalized client who is being discharged about how to care for a
peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line. Which client statement indicates a need for
further education? - correct answer ✔✔"I can continue my 20-mile running schedule as I have
for the past 10 years."
(Excessive physical activity can dislodge the PICC and should be avoided.)
A nurse is admitting clients to the same-day surgery unit. Which insertion site for routine
peripheral venous catheters does the nurse choose most often? - correct answer ✔✔Cephalic
vein of the forearm
(For same-day surgery, the cephalic or basilic vein allows insertion of a larger IV catheter while
allowing movement of the arm without impairing intravenous flow.)
A client admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) is expected to remain for 3 weeks. The nurse
has orders to start an IV. Which vascular access device does the nurse choose for this client? -
correct answer ✔✔Midline catheter
(Midline catheters are used for therapies lasting from 1 to 4 weeks.)
A 22-year-old client is seen in the emergency department (ED) with acute right lower quadrant
abdominal pain, nausea, and rebound tenderness. It appears that surgery is imminent. What
gauge catheter does the ED nurse choose when starting this client's intravenous (IV) solution? -
correct answer ✔✔18
(An 18-gauge catheter is the size of choice for clients who will undergo surgery. If they need to
receive fluids rapidly, or if they need to receive more viscous fluids (such as blood or blood
products), a lumen of this size would accommodate those needs.)
