STUDY GUIDE 2026/2027
What is IV therapy used for? - ANS ✔✔1. provide parenteral nutrition
2. Transfuse blood products
3. Provide a route for hemodynamic monitoring and/or diagnostic testing
4. administer fluids and medications
What are two types of vascular access devices? - ANS ✔✔1. peripheral devices
2. central vascular access devices
What are three kinds of peripheral intravenous devices? - ANS ✔✔1. short peripheral catheters
2. long peripheral catheters
3. midline peripheral catheters
How long is a short peripheral catheter? - ANS ✔✔less than 3 inches
How long are midline peripheral catheters? - ANS ✔✔7.5-20cm
How long are midline peripheral catheters used? - ANS ✔✔1-4 weeks
What are the common uses of 14, 16, & 18 gauge catheters? - ANS ✔✔1. trauma
2. surgery
3. rapid blood transfusions
4. rapid fluid replacement
, What are the common uses of 20 gauge catheters? - ANS ✔✔1. continuious/intermittent
infusions in adults
2. Administration of blood transfusions in adults (refer to policy)
What are the common uses for 22 & 24 gauge catheters? - ANS ✔✔1. Continuous or
intermittent infusion in adults, pediatrics, neonates and the elderly
2. Administration of blood or blood products in adults, pediatrics, neonates and the elderly
What is the preferred site on an adult to insert a peripheral catheter? - ANS ✔✔veins on dorsal
or ventral surface of arms
When inserting a peripheral catheter, you should use the most (proximal/distal) site? - ANS
✔✔distal
What areas should you avoid inserting a peripheral catheter into? - ANS ✔✔1. compromised
sites and areas distal to compromised sites
2. extremity on side of breast surgery, arteriovenous (AV) fistulas/grafts, affected extremity from
CVA
3. veins of dorsal aspect of older adults or veins in lower extremities of adults
4. Areas of flexion (wrist or AC)
5. Ventral (inside) aspect of the wrist
How often should you assess the IV insertion site? - ANS ✔✔At least every 4 hours
When assessing the IV insertion site, what things should you consider? - ANS ✔✔1. indication
2. type
3. size (gauge)
4. placement (location