LPN Med-Surg Clinical Rotation: IV, IM, and Wound Care Quiz
2026/2027 UPDATE
1. While assessing a patient’s peripheral IV site, the LPN notes coolness, pallor,
and swelling. Which complication is most likely occurring?
A. Infiltration
B. Phlebitis
C. Extravasation
D. Infection
Answer: A
Rationale: Infiltration occurs when IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue, causing
coolness, swelling, and pallor. Phlebitis would show warmth and redness.
2. An LPN is preparing to administer an IM injection to an infant. Which site is
the most appropriate for this patient?
A. Deltoid
B. Vastus lateralis
C. Ventrogluteal
D. Dorsogluteal
Answer: B
Rationale: The vastus lateralis is the preferred site for IM injections in infants because it is
the most developed muscle group at that age.
,3. When performing wound care, the LPN observes a wound that has partial-
thickness loss of dermis and a shallow open ulcer without slough. Which stage is
this?
A. Stage 1
B. Stage 3
C. Stage 2
D. Stage 4
Answer: C
Rationale: Stage 2 pressure injuries involve partial-thickness loss of the dermis,
presenting as a shallow open ulcer with a red-pink wound bed.
4. What is the primary purpose of using the Z-track technique for IM injections?
A. To reduce the risk of hitting a bone
B. To decrease the pain associated with the needle stick
C. To ensure the medication is absorbed faster
D. To prevent medication from leaking into the subcutaneous tissue
Answer: D
Rationale: The Z-track technique creates a zigzag path that seals the medication within the
muscle, preventing it from tracking back into the subcutaneous tissue.
5. Which assessment finding indicates phlebitis at an IV site?
A. Erythema and a palpable cord-like vein
B. Coolness at the site
C. Dampness of the dressing
D. Sluggish flow rate
Answer: A
Rationale: Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein characterized by pain, warmth, redness,
and sometimes a palpable cord along the vein.
, 6. The LPN is caring for a patient with a wound that has a large amount of
exudate. Which dressing type is most appropriate?
A. Transparent film
B. Hydrocolloid
C. Dry gauze
D. Alginate
Answer: D
Rationale: Alginate dressings are highly absorbent and are indicated for wounds with
moderate to heavy drainage.
7. What is the maximum volume of medication that should be injected into the
deltoid muscle of an adult?
A. 0.5 mL
B. 2 mL
C. 1 mL
D. 3 mL
Answer: C
Rationale: The deltoid muscle is small and can typically accommodate only up to 1 mL of
fluid safely in an adult.
8. A patient is receiving IV fluids and starts to complain of shortness of breath
and cough. The LPN notes crackles in the lungs. What is the priority action?
A. Apply a warm compress to the IV site
B. Increase the IV rate to flush the system
C. Place the patient in a supine position
D. Slow the IV rate and notify the RN
Answer: D
Rationale: These are signs of fluid volume overload. The LPN should immediately slow the
infusion and notify the RN or healthcare provider.
2026/2027 UPDATE
1. While assessing a patient’s peripheral IV site, the LPN notes coolness, pallor,
and swelling. Which complication is most likely occurring?
A. Infiltration
B. Phlebitis
C. Extravasation
D. Infection
Answer: A
Rationale: Infiltration occurs when IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue, causing
coolness, swelling, and pallor. Phlebitis would show warmth and redness.
2. An LPN is preparing to administer an IM injection to an infant. Which site is
the most appropriate for this patient?
A. Deltoid
B. Vastus lateralis
C. Ventrogluteal
D. Dorsogluteal
Answer: B
Rationale: The vastus lateralis is the preferred site for IM injections in infants because it is
the most developed muscle group at that age.
,3. When performing wound care, the LPN observes a wound that has partial-
thickness loss of dermis and a shallow open ulcer without slough. Which stage is
this?
A. Stage 1
B. Stage 3
C. Stage 2
D. Stage 4
Answer: C
Rationale: Stage 2 pressure injuries involve partial-thickness loss of the dermis,
presenting as a shallow open ulcer with a red-pink wound bed.
4. What is the primary purpose of using the Z-track technique for IM injections?
A. To reduce the risk of hitting a bone
B. To decrease the pain associated with the needle stick
C. To ensure the medication is absorbed faster
D. To prevent medication from leaking into the subcutaneous tissue
Answer: D
Rationale: The Z-track technique creates a zigzag path that seals the medication within the
muscle, preventing it from tracking back into the subcutaneous tissue.
5. Which assessment finding indicates phlebitis at an IV site?
A. Erythema and a palpable cord-like vein
B. Coolness at the site
C. Dampness of the dressing
D. Sluggish flow rate
Answer: A
Rationale: Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein characterized by pain, warmth, redness,
and sometimes a palpable cord along the vein.
, 6. The LPN is caring for a patient with a wound that has a large amount of
exudate. Which dressing type is most appropriate?
A. Transparent film
B. Hydrocolloid
C. Dry gauze
D. Alginate
Answer: D
Rationale: Alginate dressings are highly absorbent and are indicated for wounds with
moderate to heavy drainage.
7. What is the maximum volume of medication that should be injected into the
deltoid muscle of an adult?
A. 0.5 mL
B. 2 mL
C. 1 mL
D. 3 mL
Answer: C
Rationale: The deltoid muscle is small and can typically accommodate only up to 1 mL of
fluid safely in an adult.
8. A patient is receiving IV fluids and starts to complain of shortness of breath
and cough. The LPN notes crackles in the lungs. What is the priority action?
A. Apply a warm compress to the IV site
B. Increase the IV rate to flush the system
C. Place the patient in a supine position
D. Slow the IV rate and notify the RN
Answer: D
Rationale: These are signs of fluid volume overload. The LPN should immediately slow the
infusion and notify the RN or healthcare provider.
