C HAPTER 11: P ARENTERAL A DMINISTRATION :
I NTRAVENOUS R OUTE
Willihnganz: Clayton’s Basic Pharmac ology for Nurses, 19th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which potential complication will the nurse expect in patients with a venous
access device?
a. Circulatory overload
b. Extravasation
c. Infection
d. Pain
ANS: C
Because venipuncture alters skin integrity, the patient is vulnerable to
infection at all times. Circulatory overload is a concern but does not occur
with any t ype of venous access device because the device may just be used
for administration of small volumes of drugs (e.g., chemotherapy in cancer
patients). Extra vasation is a potential complication when there is infusion of
an irritating chemical. IV drug administration is usuall y more comfortable for
patients than other routes, and pain would not be considered a complication.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 174 OBJ: 7
NAT: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrit y
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Assessment
CON: Clinical Judgment | Safet y | Infection | Tissue Integrit y
, 2. Which time period identifies how long, with proper care, a peripherall y ins erted
central catheter (PICC) line inserted to continue IV antibiotic therapy at home
can remain in place?
a. 2 months
b. 4 months
c. 6 months
d. 12 months
ANS: D
PICC lines routinel y remain in place for 1 to 3 months but can last for a year
or more if cared fo r properl y.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge REF: p. 154 OBJ: 1 | 6
NAT: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrit y
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
CON: Clinical Judgment | Safet y | Infection | Tissue Integrit y
3. Which sign or symptom indicates that the patient with a central venous access
device is experiencing an air embolism?
a. Chest pain
b. Erythema
c. Frothy sputum
d. Sweating
ANS: A
Chest pain is a symptom associated with air embolism. Erythema occurs with
infiltration or extravasatio n. Frothy sputum occurs with circulatory overload
or pulmonary edema. Sweating is indicative of a pulmonary embolism.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 176 OBJ: 7
NAT: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrit y
I NTRAVENOUS R OUTE
Willihnganz: Clayton’s Basic Pharmac ology for Nurses, 19th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which potential complication will the nurse expect in patients with a venous
access device?
a. Circulatory overload
b. Extravasation
c. Infection
d. Pain
ANS: C
Because venipuncture alters skin integrity, the patient is vulnerable to
infection at all times. Circulatory overload is a concern but does not occur
with any t ype of venous access device because the device may just be used
for administration of small volumes of drugs (e.g., chemotherapy in cancer
patients). Extra vasation is a potential complication when there is infusion of
an irritating chemical. IV drug administration is usuall y more comfortable for
patients than other routes, and pain would not be considered a complication.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 174 OBJ: 7
NAT: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrit y
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Assessment
CON: Clinical Judgment | Safet y | Infection | Tissue Integrit y
, 2. Which time period identifies how long, with proper care, a peripherall y ins erted
central catheter (PICC) line inserted to continue IV antibiotic therapy at home
can remain in place?
a. 2 months
b. 4 months
c. 6 months
d. 12 months
ANS: D
PICC lines routinel y remain in place for 1 to 3 months but can last for a year
or more if cared fo r properl y.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge REF: p. 154 OBJ: 1 | 6
NAT: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrit y
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
CON: Clinical Judgment | Safet y | Infection | Tissue Integrit y
3. Which sign or symptom indicates that the patient with a central venous access
device is experiencing an air embolism?
a. Chest pain
b. Erythema
c. Frothy sputum
d. Sweating
ANS: A
Chest pain is a symptom associated with air embolism. Erythema occurs with
infiltration or extravasatio n. Frothy sputum occurs with circulatory overload
or pulmonary edema. Sweating is indicative of a pulmonary embolism.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 176 OBJ: 7
NAT: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrit y
