Colloid nursing IV solutions quiz for nurses and nursing students!
Colloids are intravenous solutions used to treat conditions that require an expansion of the plasma volume. Conditions that can decrease the plasma volume include hypovolemic shock, severe bleeding, burns, and hypoalbuminemia.
Colloids are different that crystalloid solutions, which include hypertonic, hypotonic, and isotonic solutions.
This quiz will test your knowledge on colloid solutions. Don’t forget to watch the colloids lecture and to review the notes before taking this quiz.
Colloids Nursing Solutions IV Quiz
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Colloids Nursing IV Solutions Quiz
1. Which statement below is incorrect concerning colloids?
A. These solutions can be used to treat hypovolemic shock.
B. Natural and synthetic types of colloids can be used to treat patients.
C. Colloids create hydrostatic pressure to increase plasma volume.
D. Allergic reactions can occur with colloid administration.
The answer is C. This statement is false. Colloids create oncotic pressure, also known as colloidal osmotic pressure, NOT hydrostatic pressure. This results in water being pulled into the intravascular space from the interstitial space. This will help increase the volume within this compartment.
2. Select all the IV fluids below that are classified as colloid solutions:
A. 3% Saline
B. Albumin
C. Dextran
D. 5% Dextrose in Water
E. Gelatin
F. 0.45% Normal Saline
The answers are B, C, and E. These options are known as colloids. 3% Saline, 5% Dextrose in Water, 0.45% Normal Saline are all known as crystalloid solutions.
3. The nurse is administering Dextran IV. The patient develops severe itching and hypotension. What will the nurse do FIRST?
A. Administer an antihistamine
B. Notify the doctor
C. Slow down the infusion and reassess
D. Stop the infusion
The answer is D: stop the infusion. Dextran is a synthetic colloid and can cause an allergic reaction. First, the nurse should stop the infusion and then proceed with notifying the doctor.
4. The patient is receiving Hydroxyethyl starches (HES). What patient findings indicate a potential complication of treatment and require further evaluation? Select all that apply:
A. Decreased platelet count
B. Blood pressure 110/80
C. Heart rate 94 bpm
D. Temperature 102.4 ‘F
E. Elevated PTT level
G. Hydroxyethyl starches (HES)
The answers are A, D, E, and G. There are risks of an allergic reaction and coagulation problems with colloids. A decreased platelet count and elevated PTT level could indicate coagulation problems, and this requires further evaluation. In addition, the patient’s temperature is elevated which could indicate a potential allergic reaction. Right now the patient’s blood pressure and heart rate are within normal limits so this can be eliminated as answers.
5. The nurse is educating a nursing student about how colloids work to expand the plasma volume. Which statements by the nursing student indicate the student understands how these solutions work? Select all that apply:
A. “These fluids work by pulling water into the intravascular space through oncotic pressure.”
B. “Colloids push water from the intravascular space into the interstitial space.”
C. “Colloids are able to increase the plasma volume because their large molecules do not cross the capillary wall but stay in the intravascular space longer.”
D. “Colloids work to increase filtration by hydrostatic pressure.”
The answers are A and C. These statements are correct. The reason option B is wrong is because colloids pull water from the interstitial space to the intravascular space. Option D is wrong because colloids do not increase filtration by hydrostatic pressure. Colloids work to increase oncotic pressure (colloidal osmotic pressure).
6. The nurse received an order to administer Hydroxyethyl starchest (HES) on a patient. What is the next step the nurse should take before administering the ordered fluids?
A. Check the patient’s vital signs
B. Assess the patient’s lab work
C. Assess the patient’s allergies
D. Auscultate the patient’s lung sounds
The answer is C. The next step the nurse would want to take before actually administering the colloid is to check the patient’s allergies. Colloids carry the risk of an allergic reaction. The nurse would want to confirm there are no allergic or previous colloid reactions in the past.
7. How are colloid solutions different from crystalloid solutions? Select all the differences below:
A. Colloid solutions require a high amount of fluid administration to equal the actual amount lost.
B. Colloid solutions cost more and are not as easily accessible as crystalloid solutions.
C. An example of a colloid solution is 3% saline, while an example of a crystalloid solution is 0.9% normal saline.
D. Colloid solutions contain large molecules that stay in the intravascular space longer than crystalloid solutions.
E. Allergic reactions and coagulation problems are not associated with the use of crystalloid solutions but are associated with colloid solutions.
The answers are B, D, and E. These are correct statements about colloids vs. crystalloid solutions. Options A and C are incorrect.
8. What findings below indicate a patient is experiencing an allergic reaction from a colloid solution? Select all that apply:
A. Pruritus
B. Increased urination
C. Dyspnea
D. Hypotension
E. Fever
The answers are A, C, D, and E. These are signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction. The nurse would want to stop the infusion and notify the doctor. Increased urination is not a sign of an allergic reaction.
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