The purpose of a saline lock (intermittent IV device) is to:
Maintain IV access without continuous infusion
Provide continuous IV fluids
Increase medication absorption
Prevent phlebitis
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Maintain IV access without continuous infusion is correct. A saline lock, also called an intermittent IV device, is a short catheter inserted into a peripheral vein and capped with a heparin or saline flush port. Its purpose is to keep the vein patent (open) for intermittent IV medication administration or emergency access, without requiring the patient to be attached to a continuous IV fluid line. Between uses, the line is flushed with saline to prevent clot formation and maintain patency. This is especially useful for patients who do not require continuous fluid replacement but may need rapid IV access for medications, fluids, or emergency interventions.
B. Provide continuous IV fluids is incorrect because a saline lock is specifically designed for intermittent use. Continuous IV therapy requires a standard IV line with a fluid bag and infusion pump, which delivers fluids at a constant rate. Using a saline lock in place of a continuous infusion would not maintain adequate fluid administration.
C. Increase medication absorption is incorrect because the saline lock does not affect how the medication is absorbed. It is simply a method for delivering IV medications directly into the bloodstream. Absorption occurs the same way whether administered through a saline lock or continuous IV.
D. Prevent phlebitis is incorrect because while proper flushing of a saline lock can reduce the risk of clot formation or catheter occlusion, it does not prevent phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein due to mechanical irritation, chemical irritation from medications, or infection. Preventing phlebitis involves correct catheter insertion technique, appropriate catheter size, careful medication selection, and monitoring the insertion site.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. 0.45% sodium chloride is incorrect because this is a hypotonic solution, meaning it has a lower solute concentration than blood. It draws water into cells, which can cause cellular swelling, and is used to treat cellular dehydration, not for maintaining fluid balance like isotonic solutions.
B. 0.9% sodium chloride is correct because it is isotonic, having a solute concentration similar to that of blood plasma. Isotonic solutions maintain fluid balance in the intravascular space without causing fluid shifts into or out of cells, making it ideal for fluid resuscitation, IV access maintenance, and initial treatment of dehydration.
C. 3% sodium chloride is incorrect because this is a hypertonic solution, with a higher solute concentration than blood. It pulls water out of cells into the intravascular space, and is used cautiously in conditions like hyponatremia. Rapid administration can cause cellular dehydration and circulatory overload.
D. D10W (10% dextrose in water) is incorrect because it is hypertonic in the bag but becomes hypotonic after dextrose is metabolized. It is used primarily for providing calories and fluid, not as an isotonic solution for maintaining fluid balance.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.