Module 8 Questions: Complete Study
Guide & Answers 2026
The nurse is participating in an interprofessional care conference. The health care provider tells the
resident that the client needs an IV infusion of an isotonic solution. Which solution should the nurse
expect the medical resident to prescribe?
0.9% NS
0.45% NS
10% dextrose in water
5% dextrose in 0.9% normal saline - ANSWER ✔✨---0.9% NS
An isotonic solution (a solution with the same osmolality as body fluids) increases the volume of
extracellular fluid volume. One example of such a solution is 0.9% NS. A hypotonic solution is a solution
that is more dilute or has a lower osmolality than body fluids — for instance, 0.45% NS. A hypertonic
solution is more concentrated or has a higher osmolality than body fluids. Examples of such fluids
include 10% dextrose in water and 5% dextrose in 0.9% normal saline solution.
The nurse is developing a plan of care for a client who will receive a continuous IV infusion of 5%
dextrose at a rate of 100 mL/hr. How frequently should the nurse plan to change the bag of IV fluids?
Weekly
Every 24 hours
Every 48 hours
Every 72 hours - ANSWER ✔✨---every 24 hours
,As a meanswer of helping prevent complications associated with IV therapy (systemic infection), the bag
of IV fluids should be changed every 24 hours. Other times, such as every 48 to 72 hours or weekly,
would allow time for bacteria to proliferate.
The nurse is working with a newly licensed nurse who is undergoing education prior to inserting an IV
and is gathering the equipment needed to start an IV line in an older client who will be receiving an IV
solution of 0.9% NS. The nurse realizes that teaching has been effective if the newly licensed nurse
selects which gauge of catheter for this client?
14
16
19
21 - ANSWER ✔✨---21
For an older client, the smallest gauge IV catheter possible should be used. A gauge of 21 or smaller is
preferred. A 14-, 16-, 18-, or 19-gauge needle is used for rapid emergency administration of fluids, blood
products, or anesthetics, as well as other products of thicker viscosity than that of standard IV fluids.
TEST-TAKING STRATEGY:
A health care provider prescribes 1000 mL of normal saline solution to be infused over 10 hours. The
drop factor is 10 gtt/mL. At how many drops per minute does the nurse set the flow rate? Round your
answerwer to the nearest whole number - ANSWER ✔✨---17 gtt/min
The health care provider has prescribed 500 mL of 0.9 NS to infuse over 10 hours using a micro drip. The
drop factor is 60 gtt/mL. The nurse obtains the necessary equipment and attaches the IV solution and
tubing. At how many drops per minute does the nurse set the flow rate? - ANSWER ✔✨---50
gtt/min
A health care provider prescribes heparin sodium 1200 units/hr by way of continuous IV infusion. The
pharmacy prepares the medication and delivers an IV bag labeled "Heparin sodium 20,000 units per 250
mL D5W." An infusion pump must be used to administer the medication. At how many milliliters per
hour does the nurse set the infusion pump to ensure delivery of 1200 units/hr?` - ANSWER ✔✨---
15 ml/hr
,Solving this problem requires a two-step process. First, determine the amount of heparin sodium in 1
mL. Next, determine the infusion rate, or milliliters per hour.
The nurse assessing a client's IV site notes that the site is red and inflamed and feels warm. The nurse
suspects phlebitis. In which order does the nurse take action?
Restart the IV line in a different site
Contact the health care provider
Remove the IV catheter
Apply a warm moist compress to the site - ANSWER ✔✨---1. remove IV catheter
2. contact HCP
3. apply a warm moist compress to site
4. restart IV line in a different site
If phlebitis at an IV site is suspected, the nurse first removes the IV catheter to prevent further
inflammation and the possibility of thrombophlebitis. The health care provider is then notified of the
occurrence. Application of a warm, moist compress to the area of phlebitis can help to decrease
inflammation. A new IV line will need to be started at a different site, but the first action the nurse
should take is to remove the existing line.
A client who is receiving a continuous IV infusion through a peripheral site suddenly complains of pain
along the vein at the location of the catheter. The nurse quickly assesses the client and notes a weak,
rapid pulse; cyanosis of the nail beds; and a decrease in blood pressure. Suspecting catheter embolism,
the nurse removes the IV catheter and sees that the tip of the catheter has broken off. What immediate
action should the nurse take?
Start an IV line at a different site
Apply a tourniquet high on the limb of the IV site
Call the operating room to alert the staff that the client will need surgery
Call the radiography department to request an x-ray of the client's arm and shoulder -
ANSWER ✔✨---Apply a tourniquet high on limb of IV site
A catheter embolism occurs when the tip of the IV catheter breaks off and floats freely in a vessel. This
can lead to an embolus. The signs of catheter embolism include pain along the vein; diminished blood
pressure; weak, rapid pulse; cyanosis of the nail beds; and loss of consciousness. The nurse would
remove the catheter carefully, inspect the catheter once it has been removed, and place a tourniquet
, high on the limb containing the IV site if the catheter tip has broken off. The health care provider is then
notified. The client is prepared for anx-ray and for surgery to remove catheter fragments, if prescribed
An IV catheter was inserted into a client 1 hour ago. Assessing the IV site, the nurse notes the presence
of bruising. The nurse also finds that the area is swollen, and the client complains of pain at the site.
Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
Notifying the health care provider of the findings
Removing the IV catheter and applying pressure to the site
Elevating the extremity and rechecking the site in 1 hour for a decrease in the swelling
Telling the client that the bruising is normal and occurred as a result of the IV insertion -
ANSWER ✔✨---Removing the IV catheter and applying pressure to the site
A hematoma is a collection of blood in the tissue that occurs after an unsuccessful venipuncture or after
a venipuncture is discontinued. It is characterized by discoloration, bruising, and swelling around the IV
site. The client may also complain of pain at the site. If a hematoma develops, the nurse removes the IV
catheter, elevates the extremity, and applies pressure. This occurrence is not normal, but it is not
necessary to notify the health care provider of this complication unless agency policy indicates that this
should be done.
The nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving IV fluids through a central line inserted into the
subclavian vein. The client suddenly complains of chest pain and difficulty breathing. The nurse notes
that the client's pulse rate has increased, that the client is hypotensive, and that a loud churning sound
is audible on auscultation over the precordium. The nurse suspects air embolism. Which immediate
action should the nurse take?
Removing the IV catheter
Calling the resuscitation team
Elevating the head of the client's bed
Placing the client in left lateral Trendelenburg position - ANSWER ✔✨---Placing the client in left
lateral Trendelenburg position
Air embolism occurs when air enters the central venous system during catheter insertion, tubing
changes, or breakage of the catheter. Signs include chest pain, tachycardia, dyspnea, hypotension,
cyanosis, and a decreased level of consciousness. A loud churning sound may be heard over the
precordium, a result of air in the right ventricle. If air embolism occurs, the nurse immediately clamps
the catheter (but does not remove it), places the client in the left lateral Trendelenburg position to trap
Guide & Answers 2026
The nurse is participating in an interprofessional care conference. The health care provider tells the
resident that the client needs an IV infusion of an isotonic solution. Which solution should the nurse
expect the medical resident to prescribe?
0.9% NS
0.45% NS
10% dextrose in water
5% dextrose in 0.9% normal saline - ANSWER ✔✨---0.9% NS
An isotonic solution (a solution with the same osmolality as body fluids) increases the volume of
extracellular fluid volume. One example of such a solution is 0.9% NS. A hypotonic solution is a solution
that is more dilute or has a lower osmolality than body fluids — for instance, 0.45% NS. A hypertonic
solution is more concentrated or has a higher osmolality than body fluids. Examples of such fluids
include 10% dextrose in water and 5% dextrose in 0.9% normal saline solution.
The nurse is developing a plan of care for a client who will receive a continuous IV infusion of 5%
dextrose at a rate of 100 mL/hr. How frequently should the nurse plan to change the bag of IV fluids?
Weekly
Every 24 hours
Every 48 hours
Every 72 hours - ANSWER ✔✨---every 24 hours
,As a meanswer of helping prevent complications associated with IV therapy (systemic infection), the bag
of IV fluids should be changed every 24 hours. Other times, such as every 48 to 72 hours or weekly,
would allow time for bacteria to proliferate.
The nurse is working with a newly licensed nurse who is undergoing education prior to inserting an IV
and is gathering the equipment needed to start an IV line in an older client who will be receiving an IV
solution of 0.9% NS. The nurse realizes that teaching has been effective if the newly licensed nurse
selects which gauge of catheter for this client?
14
16
19
21 - ANSWER ✔✨---21
For an older client, the smallest gauge IV catheter possible should be used. A gauge of 21 or smaller is
preferred. A 14-, 16-, 18-, or 19-gauge needle is used for rapid emergency administration of fluids, blood
products, or anesthetics, as well as other products of thicker viscosity than that of standard IV fluids.
TEST-TAKING STRATEGY:
A health care provider prescribes 1000 mL of normal saline solution to be infused over 10 hours. The
drop factor is 10 gtt/mL. At how many drops per minute does the nurse set the flow rate? Round your
answerwer to the nearest whole number - ANSWER ✔✨---17 gtt/min
The health care provider has prescribed 500 mL of 0.9 NS to infuse over 10 hours using a micro drip. The
drop factor is 60 gtt/mL. The nurse obtains the necessary equipment and attaches the IV solution and
tubing. At how many drops per minute does the nurse set the flow rate? - ANSWER ✔✨---50
gtt/min
A health care provider prescribes heparin sodium 1200 units/hr by way of continuous IV infusion. The
pharmacy prepares the medication and delivers an IV bag labeled "Heparin sodium 20,000 units per 250
mL D5W." An infusion pump must be used to administer the medication. At how many milliliters per
hour does the nurse set the infusion pump to ensure delivery of 1200 units/hr?` - ANSWER ✔✨---
15 ml/hr
,Solving this problem requires a two-step process. First, determine the amount of heparin sodium in 1
mL. Next, determine the infusion rate, or milliliters per hour.
The nurse assessing a client's IV site notes that the site is red and inflamed and feels warm. The nurse
suspects phlebitis. In which order does the nurse take action?
Restart the IV line in a different site
Contact the health care provider
Remove the IV catheter
Apply a warm moist compress to the site - ANSWER ✔✨---1. remove IV catheter
2. contact HCP
3. apply a warm moist compress to site
4. restart IV line in a different site
If phlebitis at an IV site is suspected, the nurse first removes the IV catheter to prevent further
inflammation and the possibility of thrombophlebitis. The health care provider is then notified of the
occurrence. Application of a warm, moist compress to the area of phlebitis can help to decrease
inflammation. A new IV line will need to be started at a different site, but the first action the nurse
should take is to remove the existing line.
A client who is receiving a continuous IV infusion through a peripheral site suddenly complains of pain
along the vein at the location of the catheter. The nurse quickly assesses the client and notes a weak,
rapid pulse; cyanosis of the nail beds; and a decrease in blood pressure. Suspecting catheter embolism,
the nurse removes the IV catheter and sees that the tip of the catheter has broken off. What immediate
action should the nurse take?
Start an IV line at a different site
Apply a tourniquet high on the limb of the IV site
Call the operating room to alert the staff that the client will need surgery
Call the radiography department to request an x-ray of the client's arm and shoulder -
ANSWER ✔✨---Apply a tourniquet high on limb of IV site
A catheter embolism occurs when the tip of the IV catheter breaks off and floats freely in a vessel. This
can lead to an embolus. The signs of catheter embolism include pain along the vein; diminished blood
pressure; weak, rapid pulse; cyanosis of the nail beds; and loss of consciousness. The nurse would
remove the catheter carefully, inspect the catheter once it has been removed, and place a tourniquet
, high on the limb containing the IV site if the catheter tip has broken off. The health care provider is then
notified. The client is prepared for anx-ray and for surgery to remove catheter fragments, if prescribed
An IV catheter was inserted into a client 1 hour ago. Assessing the IV site, the nurse notes the presence
of bruising. The nurse also finds that the area is swollen, and the client complains of pain at the site.
Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
Notifying the health care provider of the findings
Removing the IV catheter and applying pressure to the site
Elevating the extremity and rechecking the site in 1 hour for a decrease in the swelling
Telling the client that the bruising is normal and occurred as a result of the IV insertion -
ANSWER ✔✨---Removing the IV catheter and applying pressure to the site
A hematoma is a collection of blood in the tissue that occurs after an unsuccessful venipuncture or after
a venipuncture is discontinued. It is characterized by discoloration, bruising, and swelling around the IV
site. The client may also complain of pain at the site. If a hematoma develops, the nurse removes the IV
catheter, elevates the extremity, and applies pressure. This occurrence is not normal, but it is not
necessary to notify the health care provider of this complication unless agency policy indicates that this
should be done.
The nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving IV fluids through a central line inserted into the
subclavian vein. The client suddenly complains of chest pain and difficulty breathing. The nurse notes
that the client's pulse rate has increased, that the client is hypotensive, and that a loud churning sound
is audible on auscultation over the precordium. The nurse suspects air embolism. Which immediate
action should the nurse take?
Removing the IV catheter
Calling the resuscitation team
Elevating the head of the client's bed
Placing the client in left lateral Trendelenburg position - ANSWER ✔✨---Placing the client in left
lateral Trendelenburg position
Air embolism occurs when air enters the central venous system during catheter insertion, tubing
changes, or breakage of the catheter. Signs include chest pain, tachycardia, dyspnea, hypotension,
cyanosis, and a decreased level of consciousness. A loud churning sound may be heard over the
precordium, a result of air in the right ventricle. If air embolism occurs, the nurse immediately clamps
the catheter (but does not remove it), places the client in the left lateral Trendelenburg position to trap
