When flushing a peripheral IV catheter, the LVN should
Use force if resistance is met
Stop if resistance or pain occurs
Flush rapidly to clear the line
Flush only after medication administration
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. Use force if resistance is met is incorrect because forcing fluid can damage the vein, dislodge the catheter, or cause infiltration or extravasation. Resistance may indicate occlusion, clot formation, or kinking of the line, and forcing the flush is unsafe.
B. Stop if resistance or pain occurs is correct. The LVN should stop flushing immediately if the patient reports pain or if there is resistance. This prevents vein damage, infiltration, or catheter complications. After stopping, the nurse should assess the IV line, check for kinks, or notify the provider if the line cannot be flushed safely.
C. Flush rapidly to clear the line is incorrect because rapid flushing can injure the vein or cause discomfort, especially in fragile veins or pediatric/geriatric patients. Flushing should be gentle and controlled to maintain vein integrity.
D. Flush only after medication administration is incorrect because peripheral IV catheters should be flushed both before and after medication administration. Flushing before ensures line patency and prevents medication incompatibility, while flushing after ensures the full dose is delivered and clears the line.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Only the start time of the infusion is incorrect because documenting only the start time fails to provide critical information about the IV therapy. Comprehensive documentation ensures patient safety, legal protection, and continuity of care.
B. Catheter gauge, site, solution, and client response is correct because accurate IV documentation should include all relevant details: the size and type of catheter, the insertion site, the IV fluid or medication being administered, and the patient’s response to the therapy (e.g., adverse reactions, tolerance, or discomfort). This ensures effective monitoring, early detection of complications, and clear communication with the healthcare team.
C. The provider's name only is incorrect because the provider’s name alone does not document the administration or safety of IV therapy. While noting the prescriber is part of the record, it is insufficient for comprehensive documentation.
D. The client's diagnosis only is incorrect because the patient’s diagnosis does not reflect the actual IV therapy, catheter details, or patient response. Documentation must focus on what was done, how it was done, and how the patient tolerated it.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Verify compatibility and ensure primary line is patent is correct. Before administering a secondary IV medication, the LVN must confirm that the medication is compatible with the primary IV fluid to prevent precipitation, chemical reactions, or reduced drug effectiveness. Ensuring the primary line is patent guarantees that the secondary medication can infuse properly and reach the patient. This step prevents adverse reactions and ensures safe administration.
B. Open the roller clamp fully to start the antibiotic quickly is incorrect because rapid infusion can cause adverse effects depending on the medication. The infusion rate should follow prescribed guidelines, and the roller clamp should only be adjusted after verifying compatibility and line patency.
C. Disconnect the primary IV tubing is incorrect because a secondary (piggyback) infusion is designed to attach to the primary line without disconnecting it. Disconnecting the primary line unnecessarily interrupts fluid therapy and increases the risk of contamination.
D. Lower the primary IV bag below the pump is incorrect because in a piggyback setup, the secondary bag must be placed higher than the primary bag to allow gravity or pump priority flow. Lowering the primary bag would prevent the secondary medication from infusing properly.
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