Online IV Therapy Certification Course Exam
Questions and Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) with Rationales 2025
1. What is the most appropriate site for a peripheral IV catheter in
an adult?
• Antecubital vein
• Femoral vein
• Dorsal hand vein
• Jugular vein
Dorsal hand veins are often used because they are accessible
and have fewer complications compared to deeper veins like
the femoral or jugular.
2. What is the maximum time a peripheral IV catheter should
remain in place?
• 72 hours
• 96 hours
• 7 days
,• 24 hours
CDC guidelines recommend changing a peripheral IV site
every 96 hours to reduce the risk of infection.
3. What gauge IV catheter is typically used for rapid fluid
resuscitation?
• 24G
• 22G
• 18G
• 20G
Larger gauge (smaller number) catheters like 18G are used for
rapid fluid administration due to better flow rates.
4. What is phlebitis?
• Infection at the IV site
• Inflammation of the vein
• Blockage in the catheter
• Bleeding around the site
Phlebitis is the inflammation of the vein and can be caused by
mechanical or chemical irritation.
5. Which of the following is a sign of infiltration?
• Redness at the site
• Swelling and coolness around the site
• Increased blood pressure
, • Cyanosis of fingers
Infiltration occurs when IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue,
causing swelling and coolness.
6. Which action should be taken first if infiltration is suspected?
• Apply a warm compress
• Stop the infusion immediately
• Elevate the extremity
• Restart IV at the same site
Stopping the infusion prevents further fluid from leaking into the
tissue.
7. A central line terminates in the:
• Brachial vein
• Superior vena cava
• Femoral artery
• Subclavian artery
Central lines end in the superior vena cava to allow for rapid
dilution of medication or fluids.
8. What is the preferred antiseptic for skin preparation before IV
insertion?
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Chlorhexidine
Questions and Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) with Rationales 2025
1. What is the most appropriate site for a peripheral IV catheter in
an adult?
• Antecubital vein
• Femoral vein
• Dorsal hand vein
• Jugular vein
Dorsal hand veins are often used because they are accessible
and have fewer complications compared to deeper veins like
the femoral or jugular.
2. What is the maximum time a peripheral IV catheter should
remain in place?
• 72 hours
• 96 hours
• 7 days
,• 24 hours
CDC guidelines recommend changing a peripheral IV site
every 96 hours to reduce the risk of infection.
3. What gauge IV catheter is typically used for rapid fluid
resuscitation?
• 24G
• 22G
• 18G
• 20G
Larger gauge (smaller number) catheters like 18G are used for
rapid fluid administration due to better flow rates.
4. What is phlebitis?
• Infection at the IV site
• Inflammation of the vein
• Blockage in the catheter
• Bleeding around the site
Phlebitis is the inflammation of the vein and can be caused by
mechanical or chemical irritation.
5. Which of the following is a sign of infiltration?
• Redness at the site
• Swelling and coolness around the site
• Increased blood pressure
, • Cyanosis of fingers
Infiltration occurs when IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue,
causing swelling and coolness.
6. Which action should be taken first if infiltration is suspected?
• Apply a warm compress
• Stop the infusion immediately
• Elevate the extremity
• Restart IV at the same site
Stopping the infusion prevents further fluid from leaking into the
tissue.
7. A central line terminates in the:
• Brachial vein
• Superior vena cava
• Femoral artery
• Subclavian artery
Central lines end in the superior vena cava to allow for rapid
dilution of medication or fluids.
8. What is the preferred antiseptic for skin preparation before IV
insertion?
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Chlorhexidine
