RN IV Therapy Competency Assessment
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) with Rationales 2025
1. What is the most appropriate action before initiating IV therapy?
• Verify physician orders
• Gather IV supplies
• Identify the patient using two identifiers
• Explain the procedure to the patient
Proper patient identification using two identifiers ensures safety and
adherence to legal and ethical standards.
2. Which vein is commonly used for initiating peripheral IV therapy in adults?
• Femoral vein
• Basilic vein
• Cephalic vein
• External jugular vein
The cephalic vein is accessible and commonly used for peripheral IVs in
the upper extremity.
3. What is the purpose of priming an IV line?
,• To sterilize the tubing
• To prevent patient discomfort
• To test the flow rate
• To eliminate air from the tubing
Air in the tubing can lead to embolism; priming removes air before use.
4. What is the most common complication of peripheral IV therapy?
• Septicemia
• Phlebitis
• Thrombosis
• Fluid overload
Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein due to irritation from the catheter.
5. Which sign indicates infiltration?
• Redness and warmth
• Palpable cord
• Swelling and coolness at the site
• Elevated temperature
Infiltration occurs when IV fluid leaks into surrounding tissue, causing
swelling and coolness.
6. What is the preferred antiseptic for IV insertion?
• Isopropyl alcohol 70%
• Chlorhexidine gluconate 2%
• Hydrogen peroxide
, • Povidone-iodine
Chlorhexidine is preferred due to broad-spectrum activity and residual
effects.
7. Which fluid is isotonic?
• 0.45% NaCl
• 0.9% NaCl
• D5W
• D10W
Normal saline (0.9%) is isotonic and commonly used to expand
extracellular volume.
8. What does a sluggish IV flow rate suggest?
• Patient needs fluid bolus
• Catheter is occluded or infiltrated
• Patient is dehydrated
• IV is running properly
Sluggish flow may indicate an occlusion, infiltration, or kinked tubing.
9. When should the IV site be assessed?
• Every shift
• Every 12 hours
• At least every 4 hours or per facility policy
• Only when changing tubing
Frequent assessment helps detect complications early.
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) with Rationales 2025
1. What is the most appropriate action before initiating IV therapy?
• Verify physician orders
• Gather IV supplies
• Identify the patient using two identifiers
• Explain the procedure to the patient
Proper patient identification using two identifiers ensures safety and
adherence to legal and ethical standards.
2. Which vein is commonly used for initiating peripheral IV therapy in adults?
• Femoral vein
• Basilic vein
• Cephalic vein
• External jugular vein
The cephalic vein is accessible and commonly used for peripheral IVs in
the upper extremity.
3. What is the purpose of priming an IV line?
,• To sterilize the tubing
• To prevent patient discomfort
• To test the flow rate
• To eliminate air from the tubing
Air in the tubing can lead to embolism; priming removes air before use.
4. What is the most common complication of peripheral IV therapy?
• Septicemia
• Phlebitis
• Thrombosis
• Fluid overload
Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein due to irritation from the catheter.
5. Which sign indicates infiltration?
• Redness and warmth
• Palpable cord
• Swelling and coolness at the site
• Elevated temperature
Infiltration occurs when IV fluid leaks into surrounding tissue, causing
swelling and coolness.
6. What is the preferred antiseptic for IV insertion?
• Isopropyl alcohol 70%
• Chlorhexidine gluconate 2%
• Hydrogen peroxide
, • Povidone-iodine
Chlorhexidine is preferred due to broad-spectrum activity and residual
effects.
7. Which fluid is isotonic?
• 0.45% NaCl
• 0.9% NaCl
• D5W
• D10W
Normal saline (0.9%) is isotonic and commonly used to expand
extracellular volume.
8. What does a sluggish IV flow rate suggest?
• Patient needs fluid bolus
• Catheter is occluded or infiltrated
• Patient is dehydrated
• IV is running properly
Sluggish flow may indicate an occlusion, infiltration, or kinked tubing.
9. When should the IV site be assessed?
• Every shift
• Every 12 hours
• At least every 4 hours or per facility policy
• Only when changing tubing
Frequent assessment helps detect complications early.
