Module 8: Pharmacology and
Intravenous Therapies Practice Exam
With 100% Solved Solutions 2025-2026
Updated.
A nurse notes that the site of a client's peripheral intravenous (IV) catheter is reddened, warm,
painful, and slightly edematous near the insertion point of the catheter. On the basis of this
assessment, the nurse should take which action first?
--
A Removes the IV catheter
B Slows the rate of infusion
C Notifies the healthcare provider
D Checks for loose catheter connections - Answer Remove the IV catheter
--
Rationale: Phlebitis is an inflammatory process in the vein. Phlebitis at an IV site may be
indicated by client discomfort at the site or by redness, warmth, and swelling in the area of the
catheter. The IV catheter should be removed and a new IV line inserted at a different site.
Slowing the rate of infusion and checking for loose catheter connections are not correct
responses. The health care provider would be notified if phlebitis were to occur, but this is not
the initial action.
A nurse hangs a 500-mL bag of intravenous (IV) fluid for an assigned client. One hour later the
client complains of chest tightness, is dyspneic and apprehensive, and has an irregular pulse.
The IV bag has 100 mL remaining. Which action should the nurse take first?
--
A Removing the IV
,Rationale: The client's symptoms are indicative of speed shock, which results from the rapid
infusion of drugs or a bolus infusion. In this case, the nurse would note that 400 mL has infused
over 60 minutes. The first action on the part of the nurse is shutting off the IV infusion. Other
actions may follow in rapid sequence: The nurse may elevate the head of the bed to aid the
client's breathing and then immediately notify the health care provider. Slowing the infusion
rate is inappropriate because the client will continue to receive fluid. The IV does not need to be
removed. It may be needed to manage the complication.
A nurse discontinues an infusion of a unit of packed red blood cells (RBCs) because the client is
experiencing a transfusion reaction. After discontinuing the transfusion, which action should the
nurse take next?
--
A Removing the IV catheter
B Contacting the healthcare provider
C Changing the solution to 5% dextrose in water
D Obtaining a culture of the tip of the catheter device removed from the client - Answer
Contact the health care provider
Rationale: If the nurse suspects a transfusion reaction, the transfusion is stopped and normal
saline solution infused at a keep-vein-open rate pending further health care provider
prescriptions. The nurse then contacts the health care provider.. Dextrose in water is not used,
because it may cause clotting or hemolysis of blood cells. Normal saline solution is the only type
of IV fluid that is compatible with blood. The nurse would not remove the IV catheter, because
then there would be no IV access route through which to treat the reaction. There is no reason
to obtain a culture of the catheter tip; this is done when an infection is suspected.
A client with heart failure is being given furosemide and digoxin. The client calls the nurse and
complains of anorexia and nausea. Which action should the nurse take first?
--
A Administering an antiemetic
,Rationale: Anorexia and nausea are symptoms commonly associated with digoxin toxicity, which
is compounded by hypokalemia. Early clinical manifestations of digoxin toxicity include anorexia
and mild nausea, but they are frequently overlooked or not associated with digoxin toxicity.
Hallucinations and any change in pulse rhythm, color vision, or behavior should be investigated
and reported to the health care provider. The nurse should first check the results of the
potassium level, which will provide additional when the nurse calls the health care provider,an
important follow-up action. The nurse should also check the digoxin reading if one is available.
The nurse would not administer an antiemetic without further investigating the client's
problem. Because digoxin toxicity is suspected, the nurse would withhold the digoxin until the
health care provider has been consulted. The nurse would not discontinue a medication without
a prescription to do so.
The health care provider (HCP)prescribes the administration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN),
to be started at a rate of 50 mL/hr by way of infusion pump through an established subclavian
central line. After the first 2 hours of the TPN infusion, the client suddenly complains of
difficulty breathing and chest pain. The nurse should take which immediate action?
--
A Obtains blood for culture
B Clamps the PN infusion line
C Obtains a sample for blood glucose testing
D Obtains an electrocardiogram (ECG) - Answer Clamp the TPN infusion line
--
Rationale: One complication of a subclavian central line is embolism, caused by air or thrombus.
Sudden onset of chest pain shortly after the initiation of TPN may mean that this complication
has developed. The infusion is clamped (the line should not be discontinued, however), the
client turned on the left side with the head down, and the HCP notified immediately. Depending
on agency protocol, the rapid response team would also be called. Blood cultures are not
necessary in this situation, because infection is not the concern. Likewise, there is no useful
reason for checking the blood glucose level. An ECG may be obtained, but this is not the
immediate priority. If the client shows signs of an air embolism, the nurse should examine the
catheter to determine whether an open port has allowed air into the circulatory system.
A physician prescribes 2000 mL of 5% dextrose and normal saline 0.45% for infusion over 24
, A nurse is assessing a peripheral intravenous (IV) site and notes blanching, coolness, and edema
at the insertion site. What should the nurse do first?
--
A Remove the IV
B Apply a warm compress
C Check for blood return
D Measure the area of infiltration - Answer Remove the IV
Rationale: Blanching, coolness, and edema of the IV site are all signs of infiltration. Because
infiltration may result in damage to the surrounding tissue, the nurse must first remove the IV
cannula to prevent any further damage. The nurse should not depend solely on the blood
return for assurance that the cannula is in the vein, because blood return may be present even
if the cannula is only partially in the vein. Compresses may be used, but the compress (warm or
cool) depends on the type of solution infusing and health care provider preference. The nurse
should measure the area of infiltration after the IV has been removed so that further tissue
damage is prevented.
A home care nurse has been assigned a client who has been discharged home with a
prescription for parenteral nutrition (PN). Which of the following parameters does the nurse
plan to check at each visit as a means of identifying complications of the PN therapy? Select all
that apply.
--
A Weight
B Glucose test
C Temperature
D Peripheral pulses
E Hemoglobin and hematocrit - Answer A Weight
B Glucose test
C Temperature
Rationale: When a client is receiving TPN therapy, the nurse monitors the client's weight to
Intravenous Therapies Practice Exam
With 100% Solved Solutions 2025-2026
Updated.
A nurse notes that the site of a client's peripheral intravenous (IV) catheter is reddened, warm,
painful, and slightly edematous near the insertion point of the catheter. On the basis of this
assessment, the nurse should take which action first?
--
A Removes the IV catheter
B Slows the rate of infusion
C Notifies the healthcare provider
D Checks for loose catheter connections - Answer Remove the IV catheter
--
Rationale: Phlebitis is an inflammatory process in the vein. Phlebitis at an IV site may be
indicated by client discomfort at the site or by redness, warmth, and swelling in the area of the
catheter. The IV catheter should be removed and a new IV line inserted at a different site.
Slowing the rate of infusion and checking for loose catheter connections are not correct
responses. The health care provider would be notified if phlebitis were to occur, but this is not
the initial action.
A nurse hangs a 500-mL bag of intravenous (IV) fluid for an assigned client. One hour later the
client complains of chest tightness, is dyspneic and apprehensive, and has an irregular pulse.
The IV bag has 100 mL remaining. Which action should the nurse take first?
--
A Removing the IV
,Rationale: The client's symptoms are indicative of speed shock, which results from the rapid
infusion of drugs or a bolus infusion. In this case, the nurse would note that 400 mL has infused
over 60 minutes. The first action on the part of the nurse is shutting off the IV infusion. Other
actions may follow in rapid sequence: The nurse may elevate the head of the bed to aid the
client's breathing and then immediately notify the health care provider. Slowing the infusion
rate is inappropriate because the client will continue to receive fluid. The IV does not need to be
removed. It may be needed to manage the complication.
A nurse discontinues an infusion of a unit of packed red blood cells (RBCs) because the client is
experiencing a transfusion reaction. After discontinuing the transfusion, which action should the
nurse take next?
--
A Removing the IV catheter
B Contacting the healthcare provider
C Changing the solution to 5% dextrose in water
D Obtaining a culture of the tip of the catheter device removed from the client - Answer
Contact the health care provider
Rationale: If the nurse suspects a transfusion reaction, the transfusion is stopped and normal
saline solution infused at a keep-vein-open rate pending further health care provider
prescriptions. The nurse then contacts the health care provider.. Dextrose in water is not used,
because it may cause clotting or hemolysis of blood cells. Normal saline solution is the only type
of IV fluid that is compatible with blood. The nurse would not remove the IV catheter, because
then there would be no IV access route through which to treat the reaction. There is no reason
to obtain a culture of the catheter tip; this is done when an infection is suspected.
A client with heart failure is being given furosemide and digoxin. The client calls the nurse and
complains of anorexia and nausea. Which action should the nurse take first?
--
A Administering an antiemetic
,Rationale: Anorexia and nausea are symptoms commonly associated with digoxin toxicity, which
is compounded by hypokalemia. Early clinical manifestations of digoxin toxicity include anorexia
and mild nausea, but they are frequently overlooked or not associated with digoxin toxicity.
Hallucinations and any change in pulse rhythm, color vision, or behavior should be investigated
and reported to the health care provider. The nurse should first check the results of the
potassium level, which will provide additional when the nurse calls the health care provider,an
important follow-up action. The nurse should also check the digoxin reading if one is available.
The nurse would not administer an antiemetic without further investigating the client's
problem. Because digoxin toxicity is suspected, the nurse would withhold the digoxin until the
health care provider has been consulted. The nurse would not discontinue a medication without
a prescription to do so.
The health care provider (HCP)prescribes the administration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN),
to be started at a rate of 50 mL/hr by way of infusion pump through an established subclavian
central line. After the first 2 hours of the TPN infusion, the client suddenly complains of
difficulty breathing and chest pain. The nurse should take which immediate action?
--
A Obtains blood for culture
B Clamps the PN infusion line
C Obtains a sample for blood glucose testing
D Obtains an electrocardiogram (ECG) - Answer Clamp the TPN infusion line
--
Rationale: One complication of a subclavian central line is embolism, caused by air or thrombus.
Sudden onset of chest pain shortly after the initiation of TPN may mean that this complication
has developed. The infusion is clamped (the line should not be discontinued, however), the
client turned on the left side with the head down, and the HCP notified immediately. Depending
on agency protocol, the rapid response team would also be called. Blood cultures are not
necessary in this situation, because infection is not the concern. Likewise, there is no useful
reason for checking the blood glucose level. An ECG may be obtained, but this is not the
immediate priority. If the client shows signs of an air embolism, the nurse should examine the
catheter to determine whether an open port has allowed air into the circulatory system.
A physician prescribes 2000 mL of 5% dextrose and normal saline 0.45% for infusion over 24
, A nurse is assessing a peripheral intravenous (IV) site and notes blanching, coolness, and edema
at the insertion site. What should the nurse do first?
--
A Remove the IV
B Apply a warm compress
C Check for blood return
D Measure the area of infiltration - Answer Remove the IV
Rationale: Blanching, coolness, and edema of the IV site are all signs of infiltration. Because
infiltration may result in damage to the surrounding tissue, the nurse must first remove the IV
cannula to prevent any further damage. The nurse should not depend solely on the blood
return for assurance that the cannula is in the vein, because blood return may be present even
if the cannula is only partially in the vein. Compresses may be used, but the compress (warm or
cool) depends on the type of solution infusing and health care provider preference. The nurse
should measure the area of infiltration after the IV has been removed so that further tissue
damage is prevented.
A home care nurse has been assigned a client who has been discharged home with a
prescription for parenteral nutrition (PN). Which of the following parameters does the nurse
plan to check at each visit as a means of identifying complications of the PN therapy? Select all
that apply.
--
A Weight
B Glucose test
C Temperature
D Peripheral pulses
E Hemoglobin and hematocrit - Answer A Weight
B Glucose test
C Temperature
Rationale: When a client is receiving TPN therapy, the nurse monitors the client's weight to
