Basic IV Therapy Certification Practice Exam
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
with Rationales 2025
1. What is the primary purpose of IV therapy?
A. Prevent infection
B. Administer medications and fluids directly into the bloodstream
C. Measure blood pressure
D. Provide nutrition orally
B
IV therapy allows rapid delivery of fluids and medications directly into the
bloodstream for fast absorption and action.
2. Which vein is most commonly used for peripheral IV insertion?
A. Jugular vein
B. Femoral vein
C. Basilic vein
D. Cephalic vein
D
The cephalic vein is easily accessible and commonly used for peripheral IV
access.
3. What is phlebitis?
A. Infiltration of fluid into the tissue
B. Inflammation of a vein
C. An allergic reaction to IV fluid
, D. Blockage of an artery
B
Phlebitis refers to inflammation of a vein, often caused by mechanical or
chemical irritation.
4. What is a key sign of infiltration?
A. Vein hardening
B. Red streak along the vein
C. Cool, swollen site
D. Hypotension
C
Infiltration is the leakage of fluid into surrounding tissue, leading to swelling
and coolness at the site.
5. Before initiating IV therapy, what should the nurse assess first?
A. Patient’s nutritional intake
B. Available veins
C. Heart sounds
D. Bowel sounds
B
Vein assessment is essential to choose the appropriate site for IV insertion.
6. Which is the best angle to insert the needle for IV access?
A. 90 degrees
B. 60 degrees
C. 45 degrees
D. 10 to 30 degrees
D
, An angle of 10 to 30 degrees is optimal to enter the vein without puncturing
through it.
7. What should be done immediately after a successful IV catheter insertion?
A. Remove the catheter
B. Administer medication
C. Secure the catheter with tape and apply a transparent dressing
D. Flush the catheter with potassium chloride
C
Securing the catheter prevents dislodgement and maintains aseptic conditions.
8. Which fluid is considered isotonic?
A. 0.45% NaCl
B. 0.9% NaCl
C. D5W in water
D. 3% NaCl
B
Normal saline (0.9% NaCl) is isotonic and maintains fluid balance.
9. What is the first action if a patient complains of burning at the IV site?
A. Stop the infusion
B. Apply heat
C. Document and continue
D. Push fluids faster
A
Burning may indicate infiltration or phlebitis; stopping the infusion prevents
further harm.
10. How often should peripheral IV sites be assessed?
A. Every shift
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
with Rationales 2025
1. What is the primary purpose of IV therapy?
A. Prevent infection
B. Administer medications and fluids directly into the bloodstream
C. Measure blood pressure
D. Provide nutrition orally
B
IV therapy allows rapid delivery of fluids and medications directly into the
bloodstream for fast absorption and action.
2. Which vein is most commonly used for peripheral IV insertion?
A. Jugular vein
B. Femoral vein
C. Basilic vein
D. Cephalic vein
D
The cephalic vein is easily accessible and commonly used for peripheral IV
access.
3. What is phlebitis?
A. Infiltration of fluid into the tissue
B. Inflammation of a vein
C. An allergic reaction to IV fluid
, D. Blockage of an artery
B
Phlebitis refers to inflammation of a vein, often caused by mechanical or
chemical irritation.
4. What is a key sign of infiltration?
A. Vein hardening
B. Red streak along the vein
C. Cool, swollen site
D. Hypotension
C
Infiltration is the leakage of fluid into surrounding tissue, leading to swelling
and coolness at the site.
5. Before initiating IV therapy, what should the nurse assess first?
A. Patient’s nutritional intake
B. Available veins
C. Heart sounds
D. Bowel sounds
B
Vein assessment is essential to choose the appropriate site for IV insertion.
6. Which is the best angle to insert the needle for IV access?
A. 90 degrees
B. 60 degrees
C. 45 degrees
D. 10 to 30 degrees
D
, An angle of 10 to 30 degrees is optimal to enter the vein without puncturing
through it.
7. What should be done immediately after a successful IV catheter insertion?
A. Remove the catheter
B. Administer medication
C. Secure the catheter with tape and apply a transparent dressing
D. Flush the catheter with potassium chloride
C
Securing the catheter prevents dislodgement and maintains aseptic conditions.
8. Which fluid is considered isotonic?
A. 0.45% NaCl
B. 0.9% NaCl
C. D5W in water
D. 3% NaCl
B
Normal saline (0.9% NaCl) is isotonic and maintains fluid balance.
9. What is the first action if a patient complains of burning at the IV site?
A. Stop the infusion
B. Apply heat
C. Document and continue
D. Push fluids faster
A
Burning may indicate infiltration or phlebitis; stopping the infusion prevents
further harm.
10. How often should peripheral IV sites be assessed?
A. Every shift
