Which action is within the LVN scope related to IV therapy in Texas (per facility policy and training)?
Initiate and monitor peripheral IV therapy
Administer IV push medications independently
Prescribe IV fluids
Insert a central venous catheter
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Initiate and monitor peripheral IV therapy is correct. In Texas, LVNs are authorized to start and manage peripheral IV lines if they have completed the required training and competency verification. They can also monitor the infusion, assess the site, and report complications, under the supervision of an RN or provider per facility policy.
B. Administer IV push medications independently is incorrect because LVNs cannot independently give IV push medications in Texas. IV push administration is usually restricted to RNs and must follow facility policy, training, and delegation rules.
C. Prescribe IV fluids is incorrect because prescribing medications or fluids is outside the LVN scope of practice. Only licensed prescribers (physicians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants) can prescribe IV therapy.
D. Insert a central venous catheter is incorrect because central line insertion is a complex procedure requiring advanced training, typically performed by physicians, advanced practice nurses, or RNs with specialized certification. It is outside the LVN scope.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Eliminate the need for calculations is incorrect because even with an infusion pump, the nurse must program the correct rate and total volume, which requires accurate calculations. The pump assists with precision, but it does not remove the need for clinical judgment or math.
B. Control the rate and volume of infusion is correct. IV infusion pumps allow precise regulation of fluid or medication delivery, which is especially important for critical medications, pediatric patients, or patients requiring exact dosing. Pumps help prevent under- or over-infusion, ensuring safe and consistent therapy.
C. Increase client comfort is incorrect because although controlled infusion may be more comfortable than manual regulation, comfort is not the primary purpose of the pump. Its main role is safety and accuracy in fluid administration.
D. Reduce the risk of infection is incorrect because the pump itself does not prevent infection. Infection control depends on aseptic technique, proper catheter care, and site monitoring, not the use of an infusion pump.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Change IV tubing every 24 hours is incorrect because current evidence-based guidelines recommend changing IV tubing according to type of fluid and facility policy, often every 72 hours for continuous infusions or every 24 hours for blood products or TPN, not automatically every 24 hours. While tubing changes help reduce infection risk, hand hygiene is more fundamental.
B. Flush the IV catheter frequently is incorrect because flushing helps maintain line patency and prevents medication interactions, but it does not directly prevent bloodstream infections unless done as part of aseptic technique.
C. Perform hand hygiene before and after IV care is correct because hand hygiene is the single most effective method to prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). Contaminated hands are a primary source of pathogens introduced during catheter insertion, medication administration, or line manipulation. Proper hand hygiene reduces microbial transmission and protects both patient and healthcare provider.
D. Wear gloves during insertion is incorrect because while sterile gloves are required during insertion, gloves alone cannot prevent infection if hand hygiene is neglected. Gloves are a barrier, but contamination can still occur if hands are not clean before gloving or if aseptic technique is broken.
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