IV THERAPY CERTIFICATION FOR UNLICENSED ASSISTIVE
PERSONNEL – PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) WITH RATIONALES 2025
1. What is the primary purpose of IV therapy?
Deliver fluids, medications, and nutrients directly into the
bloodstream
This route provides fast and efficient systemic circulation.
2. Which body system is directly affected by IV therapy?
Circulatory system
IV therapy introduces substances into the veins, impacting blood
flow and distribution.
3. What is a potential complication of IV infiltration?
Swelling and coolness at the IV site
Infiltration occurs when fluid leaks into surrounding tissue, causing
swelling and a cool sensation.
4. Which is a sign of phlebitis at the IV site?
Redness and warmth along the vein
Phlebitis is inflammation of a vein and often presents with redness,
warmth, and tenderness.
,5. Which action should the UAP take if a client complains of pain at
the IV site?
Report the complaint to the nurse immediately
UAPs must report abnormal findings; assessment and intervention
are the nurse’s responsibility.
6. What color is typically used for a 22-gauge IV catheter?
Blue
IV catheter sizes are color-coded; blue usually indicates 22-gauge,
used for smaller veins or slower infusions.
7. Which of the following must be verified before assisting with IV
therapy?
Provider’s order and client identity
Verification ensures the correct treatment is administered to the
correct patient.
8. What is the role of the UAP in IV therapy?
Observe and report any signs of complications
UAPs do not insert or manage IV lines but can monitor and report
changes.
9. When assisting with IV fluid administration, the UAP should check
the:
Tubing for kinks or disconnections
Kinks or loose connections can impede flow or introduce infection.
10. What is the first sign of fluid overload in a client receiving
IV therapy?
Shortness of breath
, Fluid overload can cause pulmonary congestion, leading to
difficulty breathing.
11. Which of the following best describes infiltration?
IV fluid entering the tissue instead of the vein
This occurs when the catheter slips out of the vein.
12. When should gloves be worn when working around an IV
site?
Whenever there is a risk of contact with blood or body fluids
Gloves protect both the client and the caregiver from
contamination.
13. Why is it important to observe the IV site regularly?
To detect signs of infection or malfunction early
Early detection helps prevent complications.
14. A client receiving IV antibiotics has redness and a raised
area at the site. What should the UAP do?
Notify the nurse immediately
These are potential signs of an allergic or inflammatory response.
15. How often should an IV site be checked by nursing staff?
Every 1 to 2 hours, depending on facility policy
Frequent checks help identify complications early.
16. Which of the following is a symptom of an air embolism?
Sudden chest pain and difficulty breathing
Air entering the vein can block blood flow to the lungs or brain.
17. How can a UAP help reduce the risk of IV-related
infections?
PERSONNEL – PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) WITH RATIONALES 2025
1. What is the primary purpose of IV therapy?
Deliver fluids, medications, and nutrients directly into the
bloodstream
This route provides fast and efficient systemic circulation.
2. Which body system is directly affected by IV therapy?
Circulatory system
IV therapy introduces substances into the veins, impacting blood
flow and distribution.
3. What is a potential complication of IV infiltration?
Swelling and coolness at the IV site
Infiltration occurs when fluid leaks into surrounding tissue, causing
swelling and a cool sensation.
4. Which is a sign of phlebitis at the IV site?
Redness and warmth along the vein
Phlebitis is inflammation of a vein and often presents with redness,
warmth, and tenderness.
,5. Which action should the UAP take if a client complains of pain at
the IV site?
Report the complaint to the nurse immediately
UAPs must report abnormal findings; assessment and intervention
are the nurse’s responsibility.
6. What color is typically used for a 22-gauge IV catheter?
Blue
IV catheter sizes are color-coded; blue usually indicates 22-gauge,
used for smaller veins or slower infusions.
7. Which of the following must be verified before assisting with IV
therapy?
Provider’s order and client identity
Verification ensures the correct treatment is administered to the
correct patient.
8. What is the role of the UAP in IV therapy?
Observe and report any signs of complications
UAPs do not insert or manage IV lines but can monitor and report
changes.
9. When assisting with IV fluid administration, the UAP should check
the:
Tubing for kinks or disconnections
Kinks or loose connections can impede flow or introduce infection.
10. What is the first sign of fluid overload in a client receiving
IV therapy?
Shortness of breath
, Fluid overload can cause pulmonary congestion, leading to
difficulty breathing.
11. Which of the following best describes infiltration?
IV fluid entering the tissue instead of the vein
This occurs when the catheter slips out of the vein.
12. When should gloves be worn when working around an IV
site?
Whenever there is a risk of contact with blood or body fluids
Gloves protect both the client and the caregiver from
contamination.
13. Why is it important to observe the IV site regularly?
To detect signs of infection or malfunction early
Early detection helps prevent complications.
14. A client receiving IV antibiotics has redness and a raised
area at the site. What should the UAP do?
Notify the nurse immediately
These are potential signs of an allergic or inflammatory response.
15. How often should an IV site be checked by nursing staff?
Every 1 to 2 hours, depending on facility policy
Frequent checks help identify complications early.
16. Which of the following is a symptom of an air embolism?
Sudden chest pain and difficulty breathing
Air entering the vein can block blood flow to the lungs or brain.
17. How can a UAP help reduce the risk of IV-related
infections?
