NCLEX-Style Questions with Answers &
Rationales
Description
Master intravenous therapy for 2026/2027 nursing exams with this comprehensive test bank
featuring 75 NCLEX-style questions, detailed rationales, and evidence-based answers covering
PIVs, central lines, complications, and pediatric considerations. Perfect for nursing
students, RN refreshers, and exam prep.
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, IV Therapy Test Bank 2026: 75 NCLEX Questions & Rationales
SECTION 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF INTRAVENOUS THERAPY EQUIPMENT
1. Match each term in Column I with its correct definition in Column II.
Column I Column II
Backcheck A. A female connection point of an intravenous cannula where tubing or other equipment
Valve attaches
Cannula B. Point of entry into the intravenous system
Drip Chamber C. Device that prevents retrograde flow of fluids
Hub D. A tube used for infusing fluids; also referred to as a catheter
E. Area of the intravenous tubing typically found beneath the spike where the solution
Port
accumulates and drips
Answer:
Backcheck Valve: C
Cannula: D
Drip Chamber: E
Hub: A
Port: B
Explanation: Understanding the fundamental components of intravenous equipment is essential
for safe clinical practice. The backcheck valve functions as a one-way mechanism to prevent
reverse fluid movement, thereby protecting against contamination and ensuring proper flow
direction. The cannula represents the actual vascular access device inserted into the patient's
vein. The drip chamber serves as a critical observation point where healthcare providers can
assess flow rate and detect air bubbles. The hub functions as the connection interface between
,the cannula and the administration set. The port provides access points for medication
administration or blood sampling without interrupting the continuous infusion.
2. Which of the following represents a significant disadvantage associated with glass
solution containers in intravenous therapy?
A. They cannot be used with medications that require refrigeration.
B. They are breakable and difficult to store efficiently.
C. They cannot accommodate medications that are light-sensitive.
D. They require specialized adapters for most administration sets.
Answer: B
Explanation: Glass solution containers present several limitations in contemporary clinical
practice. Their fragility creates substantial safety concerns, as breakage can lead to medication
waste, potential injury to healthcare personnel, and contamination risks. Additionally, glass
containers are heavier and require more storage space compared to flexible plastic alternatives.
While glass containers generally exhibit excellent chemical compatibility and do not react with
most solutions, their practical disadvantages have contributed to the widespread adoption of
flexible plastic systems in modern healthcare settings. Contemporary practice increasingly favors
plastic containers due to their durability, lighter weight, and reduced storage requirements.
3. When utilizing a flexible plastic intravenous system, which type of administration set
may be appropriately selected?
A. Vented administration set only
B. Nonvented administration set only
C. Either vented or nonvented administration sets may be used
D. Neither type; flexible plastic systems require specialized sets
Answer: C
Explanation: Flexible plastic intravenous systems offer significant versatility in clinical
practice. Unlike rigid glass containers that require vented administration sets to allow air entry as
fluid exits, flexible plastic bags collapse as the solution is administered, eliminating the need for
, external venting. This design feature permits the use of either vented or nonvented administration
sets, providing healthcare providers with greater flexibility based on the specific clinical scenario
and available equipment. The nonvented sets are generally preferred to reduce the risk of
airborne contamination, but vented sets may still be used when necessary with these systems.
4. Which of the following interventions most effectively addresses the problem of
inadequate needleless connector disinfection?
A. Increasing the frequency of connector replacement
B. Implementing passive disinfection caps for all needleless connectors
C. Leaving needleless connectors in place until the catheter is removed
D. Using negative displacement systems exclusively
Answer: B
Explanation: Needleless connector disinfection represents a critical infection prevention
strategy in intravenous therapy. Passive disinfection caps contain an antiseptic solution, typically
alcohol or chlorhexidine, that continuously bathes the connector surface between accesses. This
technology significantly reduces microbial colonization and subsequent catheter-related
bloodstream infections. Current 2026 guidelines from the Infusion Nurses Society strongly
recommend active mechanical scrubbing of needleless connectors for a minimum of 5 to 15
seconds before each access, along with the use of passive disinfection caps for added protection.
The use of passive caps addresses the common clinical challenge of inconsistent or inadequate
manual disinfection practices.
5. In which clinical scenario would the use of a 1.2-micron filter be most appropriate?
A. Administration of low-volume medication through a peripheral line
B. Blood product transfusion
C. Infusion of total parenteral nutrition containing lipids
D. Administration of 10% dextrose and amino acids via central line
Answer: C