IV THERAPY AND BLOOD WITHDRAWAL
CERTIFICATION EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) WITH RATIONALES
2025
1. Which of the following veins is most commonly used for initiating
peripheral IV therapy?
A. Basilic vein
B. Cephalic vein
C. Femoral vein
D. Jugular vein
The cephalic vein is easily accessible and less prone to complications, making it
ideal for peripheral IVs.
2. What is the primary reason to use an infusion pump during IV therapy?
A. To prevent blood clots
B. To regulate and control infusion rate
C. To warm the IV fluids
D. To prevent air embolism
Infusion pumps provide accurate control over fluid administration rates, ensuring
patient safety.
3. Before initiating IV therapy, the nurse must verify:
,A. The manufacturer of the catheter
B. The provider’s order and patient identity
C. The patient’s insurance status
D. The IV pole height
Verification of orders and patient identity ensures correct treatment and reduces
errors.
4. A tourniquet should be placed how many inches above the intended IV
site?
A. 1 inch
B. 3 to 6 inches
C. 10 inches
D. Directly on the site
Placing the tourniquet 3 to 6 inches above the site helps distend the vein without
causing damage.
5. What size IV catheter is typically used for trauma or rapid fluid
replacement?
A. 24 gauge
B. 22 gauge
C. 20 gauge
D. 18 gauge
A larger bore like 18G allows for rapid administration of fluids or blood products.
6. Which of the following best indicates an infiltration?
, A. Swelling, coolness, and pallor at the site
B. Redness and warmth
C. Pulsation of vein
D. Pain radiating up the arm
Infiltration occurs when fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue, causing swelling
and coolness.
7. What should be done immediately if an IV site shows signs of phlebitis?
A. Apply heat
B. Discontinue the IV and restart in another site
C. Flush the IV with saline
D. Elevate the limb
Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein and requires the IV to be discontinued
immediately.
8. Which of the following blood draw tubes is used first in the order of draw?
A. Lavender
B. Blood culture
C. Green
D. Red
Blood cultures are drawn first to reduce the risk of contamination.
9. What is the purpose of using chlorhexidine for IV site preparation?
A. To moisturize the skin
B. To anesthetize the area
CERTIFICATION EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) WITH RATIONALES
2025
1. Which of the following veins is most commonly used for initiating
peripheral IV therapy?
A. Basilic vein
B. Cephalic vein
C. Femoral vein
D. Jugular vein
The cephalic vein is easily accessible and less prone to complications, making it
ideal for peripheral IVs.
2. What is the primary reason to use an infusion pump during IV therapy?
A. To prevent blood clots
B. To regulate and control infusion rate
C. To warm the IV fluids
D. To prevent air embolism
Infusion pumps provide accurate control over fluid administration rates, ensuring
patient safety.
3. Before initiating IV therapy, the nurse must verify:
,A. The manufacturer of the catheter
B. The provider’s order and patient identity
C. The patient’s insurance status
D. The IV pole height
Verification of orders and patient identity ensures correct treatment and reduces
errors.
4. A tourniquet should be placed how many inches above the intended IV
site?
A. 1 inch
B. 3 to 6 inches
C. 10 inches
D. Directly on the site
Placing the tourniquet 3 to 6 inches above the site helps distend the vein without
causing damage.
5. What size IV catheter is typically used for trauma or rapid fluid
replacement?
A. 24 gauge
B. 22 gauge
C. 20 gauge
D. 18 gauge
A larger bore like 18G allows for rapid administration of fluids or blood products.
6. Which of the following best indicates an infiltration?
, A. Swelling, coolness, and pallor at the site
B. Redness and warmth
C. Pulsation of vein
D. Pain radiating up the arm
Infiltration occurs when fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue, causing swelling
and coolness.
7. What should be done immediately if an IV site shows signs of phlebitis?
A. Apply heat
B. Discontinue the IV and restart in another site
C. Flush the IV with saline
D. Elevate the limb
Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein and requires the IV to be discontinued
immediately.
8. Which of the following blood draw tubes is used first in the order of draw?
A. Lavender
B. Blood culture
C. Green
D. Red
Blood cultures are drawn first to reduce the risk of contamination.
9. What is the purpose of using chlorhexidine for IV site preparation?
A. To moisturize the skin
B. To anesthetize the area
