Intravenous (IV) Therapy and Blood Withdrawal
Exam Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) with Rationales 2025
1. Which of the following is a contraindication for initiating IV therapy in an
extremity?
A. Presence of a distal pulse
B. Presence of a dialysis shunt
C. Skin is intact and free of lesions
D. Easily palpable veins
Using an extremity with a dialysis shunt can compromise the shunt
and patient safety.
2. The most appropriate vein for initial peripheral IV cannulation is:
A. Brachial vein
B. Cephalic vein of the forearm
C. Femoral vein
D. Jugular vein
The cephalic vein is accessible and typically large enough for
cannulation, making it a first choice.
3. Which gauge IV catheter is most appropriate for rapid blood transfusion?
A. 24G
, B. 22G
C. 18G
D. 25G
A larger bore catheter like an 18G allows for rapid administration
of fluids and blood products.
4. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to result from prolonged IV fluid
administration without monitoring?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypermagnesemia
D. Hypocalcemia
Excessive hypotonic fluids can dilute serum sodium, causing
hyponatremia.
5. What is the maximum time an IV bag of normal saline can hang before it
must be replaced?
A. 24 hours
B. 8 hours
C. 72 hours
D. 4 hours
IV fluids are changed every 24 hours to reduce the risk of
contamination.
6. What is the recommended angle of insertion for a peripheral IV catheter?
A. 45 degrees
B. 90 degrees
, C. 10 to 30 degrees
D. 5 degrees
An insertion angle of 10 to 30 degrees provides optimal vein
access while minimizing trauma.
7. What is the most appropriate action if blood is seen in the IV tubing during
insertion?
A. Remove the catheter
B. Reinsert deeper
C. Advance the catheter off the needle into the vein
D. Withdraw and start over
Blood return indicates successful vein entry; the catheter should be
advanced off the needle.
8. Phlebitis is most likely indicated by:
A. Sudden chest pain
B. Redness, warmth, and tenderness at the site
C. Clear drainage
D. Increased urinary output
Redness and tenderness along the vein are classic signs of
phlebitis.
9. Which of the following steps is done after inserting the IV catheter but
before securing it?
A. Apply tourniquet
B. Remove the needle
Exam Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) with Rationales 2025
1. Which of the following is a contraindication for initiating IV therapy in an
extremity?
A. Presence of a distal pulse
B. Presence of a dialysis shunt
C. Skin is intact and free of lesions
D. Easily palpable veins
Using an extremity with a dialysis shunt can compromise the shunt
and patient safety.
2. The most appropriate vein for initial peripheral IV cannulation is:
A. Brachial vein
B. Cephalic vein of the forearm
C. Femoral vein
D. Jugular vein
The cephalic vein is accessible and typically large enough for
cannulation, making it a first choice.
3. Which gauge IV catheter is most appropriate for rapid blood transfusion?
A. 24G
, B. 22G
C. 18G
D. 25G
A larger bore catheter like an 18G allows for rapid administration
of fluids and blood products.
4. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to result from prolonged IV fluid
administration without monitoring?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypermagnesemia
D. Hypocalcemia
Excessive hypotonic fluids can dilute serum sodium, causing
hyponatremia.
5. What is the maximum time an IV bag of normal saline can hang before it
must be replaced?
A. 24 hours
B. 8 hours
C. 72 hours
D. 4 hours
IV fluids are changed every 24 hours to reduce the risk of
contamination.
6. What is the recommended angle of insertion for a peripheral IV catheter?
A. 45 degrees
B. 90 degrees
, C. 10 to 30 degrees
D. 5 degrees
An insertion angle of 10 to 30 degrees provides optimal vein
access while minimizing trauma.
7. What is the most appropriate action if blood is seen in the IV tubing during
insertion?
A. Remove the catheter
B. Reinsert deeper
C. Advance the catheter off the needle into the vein
D. Withdraw and start over
Blood return indicates successful vein entry; the catheter should be
advanced off the needle.
8. Phlebitis is most likely indicated by:
A. Sudden chest pain
B. Redness, warmth, and tenderness at the site
C. Clear drainage
D. Increased urinary output
Redness and tenderness along the vein are classic signs of
phlebitis.
9. Which of the following steps is done after inserting the IV catheter but
before securing it?
A. Apply tourniquet
B. Remove the needle
