Before administering an IV medication, the LVN's priority action is to:

Prime the IV tubing

Flush the IV catheter

Assess lung sounds

Verify the medication order and client identity

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Rationale:

A. Prime the IV tubing is incorrect because priming the tubing is an important preparatory step to remove air and ensure smooth infusion, but it does not address patient safety or confirm the correct medication. This step comes after verifying the order and client identity.

B. Flush the IV catheter is incorrect because flushing is done before and after medication administration to ensure line patency and prevent incompatibilities, but it is secondary to confirming the right medication and patient. Flushing without verifying the order could result in administering the wrong drug.

C. Assess lung sounds is incorrect because while lung assessment is important for overall monitoring and detecting complications of IV therapy (e.g., fluid overload), it is not the priority action immediately before giving any IV medication.

D. Verify the medication order and client identity is correct. The first and most important action before administering IV medications is to ensure the “five rights” of medication administration: right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, and right time. This step prevents medication errors, protects patient safety, and is a core nursing responsibility.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Rationale:
A. Massage the site vigorously is incorrect because vigorous massage can damage the vein, increase the risk of hematoma formation, and cause patient discomfort. Gentle handling is important to minimize trauma to the vein and surrounding tissue.

B. Apply pressure until bleeding stops is correct. After removing a peripheral IV catheter, direct, firm pressure should be applied to the insertion site for several minutes (typically 2–3 minutes) or until bleeding stops. This helps prevent hematoma formation and ensures proper hemostasis. Once bleeding has stopped, the site should be covered with a sterile adhesive dressing or gauze to protect it from infection and contamination. Applying pressure is particularly important in patients who are on anticoagulants or have bleeding disorders, as they may bleed longer.

C. Remove catheter quickly and leave site uncovered is incorrect because leaving the site uncovered increases the risk of infection and does not control bleeding. Additionally, removing the catheter without applying pressure could result in a hematoma, delayed clotting, or continued bleeding, which may be dangerous in certain patients.

D. Apply heat immediately is incorrect because heat is not recommended after IV removal. Heat can increase local blood flow, which may worsen bleeding or hematoma formation. Cold compresses may sometimes be used to reduce swelling if a hematoma develops, but routine heat application is not part of standard post-IV care.

A. Using a stabilization device B. Frequent site assessment C. Prolonged catheter dwell time D. Using the smallest gauge catheter possible

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Rationale:

A. Using a stabilization device is incorrect because stabilization devices secure the catheter, reduce movement, and help prevent mechanical complications such as infiltration or dislodgement. This practice reduces, rather than increases, risk.

B. Frequent site assessment is incorrect because regularly checking the IV site allows for early detection of complications such as infiltration, phlebitis, or infection. This practice prevents complications rather than increasing risk.

C. Prolonged catheter dwell time is correct because leaving a peripheral IV catheter in place for an extended period increases the risk of infection, phlebitis, thrombosis, and infiltration. Most guidelines recommend routine site rotation every 72–96 hours for adult patients, unless clinically indicated otherwise.

D. Using the smallest gauge catheter possible is incorrect because smaller-gauge catheters minimize vein trauma and reduce the risk of mechanical complications, such as phlebitis or infiltration. Using an appropriately sized catheter is a protective measure.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Before administering an IV medication, the LVN's priority action is to:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

When discontinuing a peripheral IV catheter, the LVN should:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Which factor increases the risk of peripheral IV complications?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

What is the primary reason IV tubing must be primed before connection?

A nurse is inserting an intravenous catheter for a client which results in a blood spill on her gloved hand. The client has no documented bloodstream infection. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has an intravenous (IV) catheter in her left forearm. The nurse should identify that which of the following findings indicates the client has phlebitis?

Which site should be avoided for routine peripheral IV insertion when possible?

A common early sign of IV site infection is:

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving a continuous IV through a peripheral intravenous device. The nurse notes the catheter site is warm and painful to touch. Which of the priority actions should the nurse take?

The purpose of a saline lock (intermittent IV device) is to:

A client has IV infiltration. What is the priority action?