the Practical Nurse (2026) Q&A
1. An LPN is caring for a 21-year-old patient who requires initiation of an intravenous line
with 0.9% sodium chloride. Which action is within the LPN's scope of practice under Ohio
law?
A) Initiate the IV and hang the 0.9% sodium chloride
B) Initiate the IV but ask the RN to hang the fluid
C) Ask the RN to initiate the IV because LPNs cannot start IVs
D) Initiate the IV only if the patient signs a separate consent
Correct Answer: Initiate the IV and hang the 0.9% sodium chloride
Rationale: Ohio Board of Nursing Rule 4723-4-02 permits LPNs to initiate and maintain
intravenous therapy with isotonic solutions such as 0.9% sodium chloride for patients aged
18 or older, under the direction of a physician or RN. LPNs do not need a separate consent
solely for IV initiation, and requiring the RN to hang the fluid is unnecessary because
hanging 0.9% sodium chloride is within scope.
2. A 16-year-old patient is prescribed an intravenous piggyback antibiotic. What is the
LPN's most appropriate action?
A) Administer the antibiotic because IVPB administration is within LPN scope
B) Administer the antibiotic after the RN initiates the first bag
C) Recognize that the patient is under 18 and ensure an RN or provider performs the task
D) Delegate the task to unlicensed assistive personnel
,Correct Answer: Recognize that the patient is under 18 and ensure an RN or provider
performs the task
Rationale: Ohio law restricts LPN IV therapy procedures to patients aged 18 or older.
Because this patient is 16, the LPN cannot initiate or administer the IVPB antibiotic, and the
task must be performed by an RN or provider. IVPB administration is not within LPN scope
for minors, and unlicensed assistive personnel cannot perform IV therapy.
3. An LPN is preparing to hang a second bag of dextrose 5% in water with potassium
chloride for a 55-year-old patient. Which statement reflects the correct scope of practice?
A) The LPN may hang the bag because subsequent bags of electrolytes are within LPN
scope after the RN initiates the first bag
B) The LPN must wait for the RN to hang every bag containing electrolytes
C) The LPN may hang the bag only if the patient has a central line
D) The LPN may hang the bag but must document that the RN initiated the first bag
Correct Answer: The LPN may hang the bag because subsequent bags of electrolytes are
within LPN scope after the RN initiates the first bag
Rationale: Ohio scope permits LPNs to administer solutions containing vitamins or
electrolytes after an RN initiates the first infusion of that solution. Waiting for the RN for
every bag, restricting to central lines, or documenting RN initiation does not reflect the
actual scope rule.
4. An LPN is caring for a patient with a peripherally inserted central catheter. Which action
is permitted?
A) Inserting the PICC line at the bedside
B) Removing the PICC line after therapy is complete
, C) Changing the PICC dressing using sterile technique
D) Adjusting the rate of total parenteral nutrition
Correct Answer: Changing the PICC dressing using sterile technique
Rationale: LPNs may change PICC dressings using sterile technique, but they may not
insert or remove PICC lines or adjust total parenteral nutrition rates. These actions require
RN or provider scope and additional training.
5. A patient receiving a blood transfusion develops fever, chills, and flank pain. What is the
LPN's priority action?
A) Slow the transfusion rate and reassess in 15 minutes
B) Stop the transfusion immediately and notify the RN or provider
C) Administer a prescribed antihistamine and continue the transfusion
D) Document the findings and continue monitoring
Correct Answer: Stop the transfusion immediately and notify the RN or provider
Rationale: Fever, chills, and flank pain suggest an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction,
which requires immediate cessation of the transfusion. Slowing the rate, administering an
antihistamine without an order, or continuing to monitor delays essential treatment. LPNs
are permitted to stop blood component infusions when a complication arises.
6. Which intravenous solution is classified as isotonic?
A) 0.45% sodium chloride
B) 3% sodium chloride