1.
What is the best choice of cannula size?
Correct Answer
C. The smallest gauge to accommodate therapy.
Explanation
The best choice of cannula size is the smallest gauge that can accommodate therapy. This ensures that the patient experiences minimal discomfort during the insertion process, while still allowing for the necessary therapy to be administered effectively. Choosing the smallest gauge also reduces the risk of complications such as bleeding or infection.
2.
Which of the following veins should be avoided when initiating an IV?
Correct Answer
E. All of the above
Explanation
All of the above options should be avoided when initiating an IV. The lower extremities of a diabetic patient should be avoided due to the increased risk of infection and poor circulation. Previously used veins and sclerotic veins should be avoided as they may be more difficult to access and can increase the risk of complications. Veins in the affected arm of a woman with a mastectomy should be avoided to prevent lymphedema and potential damage to the remaining lymphatic system. Veins in the arm of a dialysis AV fistula should be avoided to preserve the access site for dialysis.
3.
What is the second step in preparing the IV site?
Correct Answer
A. Put on gloves
Explanation
The second step in preparing the IV site is to put on gloves. This is important to ensure proper hygiene and prevent the spread of infection. Wearing gloves helps to protect both the healthcare provider and the patient from potential contamination. By putting on gloves, the healthcare provider can minimize the risk of introducing harmful bacteria or other pathogens into the IV site, ensuring a safe and sterile procedure.
4.
When preparing to insert the needle into the skin, the bevel should be:
Correct Answer
B. Up
Explanation
The bevel should be up when preparing to insert the needle into the skin because this allows for a smoother entry and reduces the risk of tissue damage. When the bevel is up, the sharp tip of the needle is the first to make contact with the skin, minimizing discomfort for the patient. Additionally, inserting the needle with the bevel up helps to ensure proper alignment and control during the procedure.
5.
While in the process of inserting an IV, which of the following is NOT acceptable:
Correct Answer
B. A device may be reused as long as it is in the same site as the original attempt
Explanation
Reusing a device for IV insertion is not acceptable as it can lead to contamination and increase the risk of infection. It is important to use a new, sterile device for each IV insertion to maintain proper hygiene and prevent the spread of infection.
6.
How can you verify that you have entered the vein with the IV catheter?
Correct Answer
C. You observe a flashback of blood
Explanation
When you observe a flashback of blood, it indicates that the IV catheter has entered the vein successfully. This means that the needle has punctured the vein, allowing blood to flow into the catheter, which can be seen as a flashback of blood. This is a reliable way to verify that the IV catheter is in the vein and not in surrounding tissue or muscle.
7.
What step would you take if you have attempted IV access and are unsure of proper placement?
Correct Answer
B. Attempt to flush the catheter.
Explanation
If you have attempted IV access and are unsure of proper placement, attempting to flush the catheter would be the appropriate step. Flushing the catheter with a small amount of saline solution can help confirm proper placement by ensuring that the fluid flows freely and without resistance. If the catheter is properly placed, the saline solution will flow easily. However, if there is resistance or no flow, it may indicate that the catheter is not in the correct position and further assessment or repositioning may be necessary.
8.
What would be an indication that your IV insertion attempt was not successful?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
If the insertion site begins to bruise, it indicates that the IV insertion attempt was not successful as it suggests that there was some damage to the blood vessels during the process. If the insertion site does not flush easily, it indicates that the catheter may not be properly placed within the vein, preventing the easy flow of fluids. Additionally, if the site swells when fluids are flushed through, it suggests that there may be a blockage or improper placement of the catheter, leading to swelling and potential complications. Therefore, all of the above signs indicate an unsuccessful IV insertion attempt.
9.
What is the most important step when discontinuing IV therapy?
Correct Answer
C. Inspect the condition of the catheter tip and notify the physician immediately if any damage is noted.
Explanation
The most important step when discontinuing IV therapy is to inspect the condition of the catheter tip and notify the physician immediately if any damage is noted. This is crucial because a damaged catheter can lead to complications such as infection or bleeding. By inspecting the catheter tip, healthcare professionals can ensure that it is intact and functioning properly before removing it. If any damage is observed, it is important to notify the physician promptly so that appropriate actions can be taken to address the issue and prevent any potential harm to the patient.
10.
It is not necessary to wear gloves when discontinuing an IV since there is no risk of exposure to blood or body fluids.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Wearing gloves when discontinuing an IV is necessary because there is a risk of exposure to blood or body fluids. Gloves provide a barrier between the healthcare worker and any potential infectious materials, reducing the risk of transmission of pathogens. Therefore, the statement is false as gloves should be worn to ensure safety during the procedure.
11.
In order to prevent needle sticks and exposure to HIV and other bloodborne pathogens, it is of utmost importance that healthcare professionals dispose of all used IV catheters and cannulas in the proper containers.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Healthcare professionals need to dispose of used IV catheters and cannulas in the proper containers to prevent needle sticks and exposure to HIV and other bloodborne pathogens. This is crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy environment for both the healthcare professionals and the patients they are treating. Proper disposal ensures that these potentially hazardous materials are contained and disposed of in a way that minimizes the risk of accidental exposure or injury.
12.
After applying the tourniquet, if the vein feels hard or rope-like, you should:
Correct Answer
C. Select another site
Explanation
If the vein feels hard or rope-like after applying the tourniquet, it indicates that the vein may not be suitable for an IV insertion. Selecting another site would be the most appropriate action in this situation to ensure a successful and safe IV placement.
13.
What is the first step in preparing the IV site?
Correct Answer(s)
A. Wash your hands
B. Wash your hands
C. Wash your hands
D. Wash your hands
Explanation
The correct answer is to wash your hands. This is the first step in preparing the IV site because it is essential to maintain proper hygiene and prevent the spread of infection. By washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, you can remove any potential contaminants and ensure a clean environment for the IV insertion.
14.
After 2 unsuccessful attempts at insertion of an IV, the best thing for a healthcare professional to do would be:
Correct Answer
C. Consult another professional to initiate therapy
Explanation
After two unsuccessful attempts at inserting an IV, it is best for a healthcare professional to consult another professional to initiate therapy. This is because multiple failed attempts may indicate that the healthcare professional is unable to successfully insert the IV, and it may be beneficial to seek assistance from someone with more experience or expertise in this area. It is important to ensure that the patient receives the necessary therapy in a timely and efficient manner, and involving another professional can help achieve this goal.
15.
What do you do before leaving the patient's room after initiating IV access?
Correct Answer(s)
A. Wash your hands
B. Wash your hands
C. Wash your hands
D. Wash your hands
Explanation
Before leaving the patient's room after initiating IV access, it is important to wash your hands. This is a crucial step in infection control and helps prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can help remove any potential contaminants and reduce the risk of infection for both the patient and healthcare provider. It is emphasized multiple times in the answer options to highlight the importance of this step in maintaining proper hygiene.
16.
When discontinuing an IV, what type of dressing should you use:
Correct Answer
D. Band-aid or band-aid with gauze or Tegaderm with gauze (if the patient is allergic to adhesive/band-aids)
Explanation
When discontinuing an IV, it is important to use a band-aid or band-aid with gauze or tegaderm with gauze (if the patient is allergic to adhesive/band-aids) as a dressing. This is necessary to protect the site from contamination and to promote healing. Using a dressing helps to prevent infection and keeps the site clean and secure. It also provides a barrier against external elements and reduces the risk of bleeding or further injury to the site.