NRSG 3323 Exam 2 Final Test
Questions with Guaranteed Pass
Solutions 2025-2026 Updated.
What is the primary purpose of an intravenous (IV) catheter?
A. Administer oral medications
B. Deliver fluids and medications directly into the bloodstream
C. Monitor blood pressure
D. Obtain blood samples - Answer Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary purpose of an IV catheter is to provide immediate access to the
circulatory system for the administration of fluids, medications, and nutrients.
Which type of IV catheter is typically used for long-term access?
A. Peripheral catheter
B. Central venous catheter
C. Midline catheter
D. Butterfly needle - Answer Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Central venous catheters are designed for long-term use and can remain in place for
weeks or months, unlike peripheral catheters, which are typically for short-term use.
Which factor is most important when selecting a vein for IV catheter placement?
A. Proximity to the heart
B. Size and visibility of the vein
C. Temperature of the skin
D. Color of the skin - Answer Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The size and visibility of a vein are crucial for successful IV catheter placement, as a
larger, more visible vein is easier to puncture and provides better blood flow.
The method of placing an IV catheter involves:
A. Only using ultrasound guidance
B. Aseptic technique and proper vein selection
C. Immediate flushing of the catheter after insertion
D. Using a larger gauge needle for all placements - Answer Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Using aseptic technique prevents infection, and selecting the appropriate vein
ensures a successful catheter insertion.
,A potential complication associated with IV catheters is:
A. Hypertension
B. Phlebitis
C. Diabetes
D. Constipation - Answer Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Phlebitis is a common complication associated with IV catheters, characterized by
inflammation of the vein, which can occur due to irritation from the catheter or the infused
substances.
Which nursing action is appropriate for treating infiltration of an IV catheter?
A. Increase the IV flow rate
B. Remove the catheter and apply a warm compress
C. Change the IV fluid to a different solution
D. Leave the catheter in place and monitor - Answer Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Infiltration occurs when IV fluids leak into surrounding tissues, removing the catheter
and applying a warm compress helps reduce swelling and discomfort.
When should an IV catheter be changed to reduce the risk of infection?
A. Every 24 hours
B. According to facility policy, typically every 72 to 96 hours
C. Only when it becomes clogged
D. After each medication administration - Answer Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Regularly changing IV catheters reduces the risk of infection and other complications.
Policies vary by facility, but every 72 to 96 hours is a common standard.
Signs of a central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) include:
A. Decreased blood pressure
B. Fever and redness at the insertion site
C. Increased urine output
D. Severe headache - Answer Correct Answer: B
Rationale: These signs indicate a possible infection related to the catheter. Monitoring for fever
and localized symptoms is essential for early identification of complications.
What is the most common gauge size used for peripheral IV catheters in adults?
A. 14 gauge
B. 22 gauge
,C. 18 gauge
D. 24 gauge - Answer Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An 18-gauge needle is commonly used for adult patients requiring significant fluid
volume or rapid blood transfusions, while smaller gauges are used for less critical needs.
A nurse is preparing to administer a medication through an IV catheter. What is the first action
the nurse should take?
A. Administer the medication immediately
B. Verify the medication order and check the IV site
C. Flush the catheter with saline
D. Change the IV bag - Answer Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Verifying the medication and assessing the IV site ensure safe administration,
reducing the risk of complications or errors.
A primary benefit of using a central venous access device is:
A. Short-term fluid administration
B. Ability to administer large volumes of fluids and medications
C. Reduced risk of infection
D. Easy access for blood draws - Answer Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Central venous access devices allow for the administration of larger volumes of fluids
and medications than peripheral lines, making them essential for patients with significant fluid
or medication needs.
Which type of CVAD is typically used for long-term therapy?
A. Peripheral catheter
B. Short-term tunneled catheter
C. Hickman catheter
D. IV push device - Answer Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hickman catheters are tunneled central venous catheters used for long-term access,
often in patients requiring chemotherapy or frequent blood draws.
After placement of a central venous catheter, what is the priority nursing action before using
the line?
A. Administer medications immediately
B. Flush the line with saline
C. Verify placement with a chest X-ray
D. Apply a sterile dressing - Answer Correct Answer: C
, Rationale: A chest X-ray is necessary to confirm the correct placement of the catheter, ensuring
that it is in the central circulation and not in the lungs or other inappropriate locations.
Risks associated with central venous access devices include:
A. Improved drug absorption
B. Catheter-related bloodstream infections
C. Enhanced mobility
D. Decreased fluid volume requirements - Answer Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Central venous access devices have a higher risk of infection due to their location and
the length of time they are typically used.
The anatomical location for placing a central venous catheter can include:
A. Femoral vein
B. Brachial artery
C. Internal jugular vein
D. Subclavian artery - Answer Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The internal jugular vein is a common site for central venous catheter insertion due
to its direct access to the central circulation and large vein size.
Which of the following is a potential complication of a central venous catheter?
A. Hypertension
B. Thrombosis
C. Bradycardia
D. Increased urine output - Answer Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Thrombosis can occur due to the presence of a foreign body (the catheter) in the
vein, which can trigger clot formation.
A nurse is monitoring a patient with a central venous catheter. Which sign may indicate a
catheter-related infection?
A. Stable vital signs
B. Fever and chills
C. Decreased urine output
D. Clear lung sounds - Answer Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Fever and chills are common signs of infection, which can occur with the use of
central venous catheters. Monitoring for these symptoms is critical.
Which action should the nurse take if a central line becomes occluded?
Questions with Guaranteed Pass
Solutions 2025-2026 Updated.
What is the primary purpose of an intravenous (IV) catheter?
A. Administer oral medications
B. Deliver fluids and medications directly into the bloodstream
C. Monitor blood pressure
D. Obtain blood samples - Answer Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary purpose of an IV catheter is to provide immediate access to the
circulatory system for the administration of fluids, medications, and nutrients.
Which type of IV catheter is typically used for long-term access?
A. Peripheral catheter
B. Central venous catheter
C. Midline catheter
D. Butterfly needle - Answer Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Central venous catheters are designed for long-term use and can remain in place for
weeks or months, unlike peripheral catheters, which are typically for short-term use.
Which factor is most important when selecting a vein for IV catheter placement?
A. Proximity to the heart
B. Size and visibility of the vein
C. Temperature of the skin
D. Color of the skin - Answer Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The size and visibility of a vein are crucial for successful IV catheter placement, as a
larger, more visible vein is easier to puncture and provides better blood flow.
The method of placing an IV catheter involves:
A. Only using ultrasound guidance
B. Aseptic technique and proper vein selection
C. Immediate flushing of the catheter after insertion
D. Using a larger gauge needle for all placements - Answer Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Using aseptic technique prevents infection, and selecting the appropriate vein
ensures a successful catheter insertion.
,A potential complication associated with IV catheters is:
A. Hypertension
B. Phlebitis
C. Diabetes
D. Constipation - Answer Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Phlebitis is a common complication associated with IV catheters, characterized by
inflammation of the vein, which can occur due to irritation from the catheter or the infused
substances.
Which nursing action is appropriate for treating infiltration of an IV catheter?
A. Increase the IV flow rate
B. Remove the catheter and apply a warm compress
C. Change the IV fluid to a different solution
D. Leave the catheter in place and monitor - Answer Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Infiltration occurs when IV fluids leak into surrounding tissues, removing the catheter
and applying a warm compress helps reduce swelling and discomfort.
When should an IV catheter be changed to reduce the risk of infection?
A. Every 24 hours
B. According to facility policy, typically every 72 to 96 hours
C. Only when it becomes clogged
D. After each medication administration - Answer Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Regularly changing IV catheters reduces the risk of infection and other complications.
Policies vary by facility, but every 72 to 96 hours is a common standard.
Signs of a central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) include:
A. Decreased blood pressure
B. Fever and redness at the insertion site
C. Increased urine output
D. Severe headache - Answer Correct Answer: B
Rationale: These signs indicate a possible infection related to the catheter. Monitoring for fever
and localized symptoms is essential for early identification of complications.
What is the most common gauge size used for peripheral IV catheters in adults?
A. 14 gauge
B. 22 gauge
,C. 18 gauge
D. 24 gauge - Answer Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An 18-gauge needle is commonly used for adult patients requiring significant fluid
volume or rapid blood transfusions, while smaller gauges are used for less critical needs.
A nurse is preparing to administer a medication through an IV catheter. What is the first action
the nurse should take?
A. Administer the medication immediately
B. Verify the medication order and check the IV site
C. Flush the catheter with saline
D. Change the IV bag - Answer Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Verifying the medication and assessing the IV site ensure safe administration,
reducing the risk of complications or errors.
A primary benefit of using a central venous access device is:
A. Short-term fluid administration
B. Ability to administer large volumes of fluids and medications
C. Reduced risk of infection
D. Easy access for blood draws - Answer Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Central venous access devices allow for the administration of larger volumes of fluids
and medications than peripheral lines, making them essential for patients with significant fluid
or medication needs.
Which type of CVAD is typically used for long-term therapy?
A. Peripheral catheter
B. Short-term tunneled catheter
C. Hickman catheter
D. IV push device - Answer Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hickman catheters are tunneled central venous catheters used for long-term access,
often in patients requiring chemotherapy or frequent blood draws.
After placement of a central venous catheter, what is the priority nursing action before using
the line?
A. Administer medications immediately
B. Flush the line with saline
C. Verify placement with a chest X-ray
D. Apply a sterile dressing - Answer Correct Answer: C
, Rationale: A chest X-ray is necessary to confirm the correct placement of the catheter, ensuring
that it is in the central circulation and not in the lungs or other inappropriate locations.
Risks associated with central venous access devices include:
A. Improved drug absorption
B. Catheter-related bloodstream infections
C. Enhanced mobility
D. Decreased fluid volume requirements - Answer Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Central venous access devices have a higher risk of infection due to their location and
the length of time they are typically used.
The anatomical location for placing a central venous catheter can include:
A. Femoral vein
B. Brachial artery
C. Internal jugular vein
D. Subclavian artery - Answer Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The internal jugular vein is a common site for central venous catheter insertion due
to its direct access to the central circulation and large vein size.
Which of the following is a potential complication of a central venous catheter?
A. Hypertension
B. Thrombosis
C. Bradycardia
D. Increased urine output - Answer Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Thrombosis can occur due to the presence of a foreign body (the catheter) in the
vein, which can trigger clot formation.
A nurse is monitoring a patient with a central venous catheter. Which sign may indicate a
catheter-related infection?
A. Stable vital signs
B. Fever and chills
C. Decreased urine output
D. Clear lung sounds - Answer Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Fever and chills are common signs of infection, which can occur with the use of
central venous catheters. Monitoring for these symptoms is critical.
Which action should the nurse take if a central line becomes occluded?
