IV Therapy Test ACTUAL Exam Questions
and CORRECT Answers
Define infiltration - CORRECT ANSWER - Leaking of IV fluid or medications into the
tissue surrounding a vascular access devive.
What are signs and symptoms of infiltration? - CORRECT ANSWER - Edema, pain, and
coolness at site w/ or w/out blood return
How do you prevent infiltration? - CORRECT ANSWER - Appropriate site for PIV
cannulation, using proper techniques & follow facility policy for securing catheter, observe the
site frequently, advise pt to report any swelling or tenderness
If a patient is complaining of burning and stinging at the iv site, what to do? - CORRECT
ANSWER - decrease infusion rate
What site is most appropriate for starting an IV? - CORRECT ANSWER - at the most
distal site in the largest, most prominent vein accessible.
What is one important thing you need to do before starting an IV? - CORRECT
ANSWER - Take vital signs to get a baseline set in case something goes wrong.
What should you NOT do when selecting a suitable vein and why? - CORRECT
ANSWER - Tap the vein; because it can cause it to vasoconstrict.
What should you NOT do when changing out an IV bag? - CORRECT ANSWER - Undo
the tubing.
How do you manage infiltration? - CORRECT ANSWER - Upon 1st sight, stop the
infusion and remove the device/ check pt. pulse, capillary refill, and ELEVATE their limbs,
warm compresses
, What are some vesicant drugs? - CORRECT ANSWER - Antineoplastic drugs
(doxorubicin, vinblastine, and vincristine), hydroxyzine, promethazine, digoxin, and dopamine
Define infection - CORRECT ANSWER - Local or systemic signs of infection in patients
with a PIV in place
What are signs and symptoms of infection? - CORRECT ANSWER - Pain, tenderness,
redness, or discharge at or near site, elevated body temp
How do you prevent infections? - CORRECT ANSWER - Hand hygiene, gloves, aseptic
technique, clean injection ports with alcohol
Define phlebitis - CORRECT ANSWER - inflammation of a vein
What are signs and symptoms of phlebitis? - CORRECT ANSWER - Heat, redness,
tenderness at the site, and sluggish infusion but usually no swelling or hardness at the site
How can you prevent phlebitis? - CORRECT ANSWER - Use a trusted drug reference,
monitor administration rate, monitor site
How do you manage phlebitis? - CORRECT ANSWER - Apply warm moist compress,
insert new PIV at a different site preferably on the opposite arm using a larger vein
Define hypersensitivity (allergic reactions) - CORRECT ANSWER - Severe reactions that
can be life threatening
What are signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity? - CORRECT ANSWER - Sudden onset
of fever, rash, wheezing, bronchospams, joint swelling
and CORRECT Answers
Define infiltration - CORRECT ANSWER - Leaking of IV fluid or medications into the
tissue surrounding a vascular access devive.
What are signs and symptoms of infiltration? - CORRECT ANSWER - Edema, pain, and
coolness at site w/ or w/out blood return
How do you prevent infiltration? - CORRECT ANSWER - Appropriate site for PIV
cannulation, using proper techniques & follow facility policy for securing catheter, observe the
site frequently, advise pt to report any swelling or tenderness
If a patient is complaining of burning and stinging at the iv site, what to do? - CORRECT
ANSWER - decrease infusion rate
What site is most appropriate for starting an IV? - CORRECT ANSWER - at the most
distal site in the largest, most prominent vein accessible.
What is one important thing you need to do before starting an IV? - CORRECT
ANSWER - Take vital signs to get a baseline set in case something goes wrong.
What should you NOT do when selecting a suitable vein and why? - CORRECT
ANSWER - Tap the vein; because it can cause it to vasoconstrict.
What should you NOT do when changing out an IV bag? - CORRECT ANSWER - Undo
the tubing.
How do you manage infiltration? - CORRECT ANSWER - Upon 1st sight, stop the
infusion and remove the device/ check pt. pulse, capillary refill, and ELEVATE their limbs,
warm compresses
, What are some vesicant drugs? - CORRECT ANSWER - Antineoplastic drugs
(doxorubicin, vinblastine, and vincristine), hydroxyzine, promethazine, digoxin, and dopamine
Define infection - CORRECT ANSWER - Local or systemic signs of infection in patients
with a PIV in place
What are signs and symptoms of infection? - CORRECT ANSWER - Pain, tenderness,
redness, or discharge at or near site, elevated body temp
How do you prevent infections? - CORRECT ANSWER - Hand hygiene, gloves, aseptic
technique, clean injection ports with alcohol
Define phlebitis - CORRECT ANSWER - inflammation of a vein
What are signs and symptoms of phlebitis? - CORRECT ANSWER - Heat, redness,
tenderness at the site, and sluggish infusion but usually no swelling or hardness at the site
How can you prevent phlebitis? - CORRECT ANSWER - Use a trusted drug reference,
monitor administration rate, monitor site
How do you manage phlebitis? - CORRECT ANSWER - Apply warm moist compress,
insert new PIV at a different site preferably on the opposite arm using a larger vein
Define hypersensitivity (allergic reactions) - CORRECT ANSWER - Severe reactions that
can be life threatening
What are signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity? - CORRECT ANSWER - Sudden onset
of fever, rash, wheezing, bronchospams, joint swelling
