PN 1200 IV Therapy Comprehensive
Final Exam | Questions and Answers |
2026/27 Update | 100% Correct - Las
Vegas College.
1. What is the primary purpose of IV therapy?
A. To provide a route for medication administration only.
B. To maintain or restore fluid and electrolyte balance.
C. To administer blood products exclusively.
D. To prevent all types of infections.
B. To maintain or restore fluid and electrolyte balance.
Rationale: While IV therapy is used for medication and blood products, its
fundamental and broadest purpose is to maintain or restore a patient's fluid and
electrolyte balance, especially when they cannot take anything by mouth.
2. Which of the following is a key responsibility of a Practical Nurse (PN)
regarding IV therapy?
A. Prescribing the type of IV fluid.
B. Inserting a central venous catheter.
C. Monitoring the IV site and flow rate.
D. Adjusting the physician's order for IV fluids.
C. Monitoring the IV site and flow rate.
Rationale: A PN's scope of practice typically includes monitoring the IV site for
complications (like infiltration or phlebitis) and ensuring the prescribed flow rate is
maintained. Prescribing and inserting central lines are outside the PN scope.
3. What is the most common type of IV solution used for fluid resuscitation?
A. Hypotonic solution
B. Isotonic solution
C. Hypertonic solution
,D. Colloid solution
B. Isotonic solution
Rationale: Isotonic solutions, such as 0.9% Normal Saline (NS) or Lactated
Ringer's (LR), have the same osmolarity as blood plasma. They are ideal for
expanding intravascular volume without causing significant fluid shifts into or out
of cells.
4. Which of the following is an example of an isotonic IV solution?
A. 0.45% Sodium Chloride (1/2 NS)
B. 3% Sodium Chloride
C. Lactated Ringer's (LR)
D. 5% Dextrose in 0.45% Sodium Chloride
C. Lactated Ringer's (LR)
Rationale: Lactated Ringer's is an isotonic crystalloid solution. 0.45% NaCl is
hypotonic, 3% NaCl is hypertonic, and D5 0.45% NaCl is hypertonic.
5. A patient is prescribed 0.45% Sodium Chloride. The PN understands this is a:
A. Isotonic solution.
B. Hypotonic solution.
C. Hypertonic solution.
D. Colloid solution.
B. Hypotonic solution.
Rationale: 0.45% Sodium Chloride (half-normal saline) is a hypotonic solution.
It has a lower osmolarity than blood plasma, causing fluid to move out of the
blood vessels and into the cells.
6. What is a primary risk associated with administering a hypertonic solution?
A. Cellular swelling and edema.
B. Fluid overload and pulmonary edema.
C. Hemolysis of red blood cells.
D. Severe dehydration.
B. Fluid overload and pulmonary edema.
Rationale: Hypertonic solutions pull fluid from the intracellular and interstitial
,spaces into the intravascular space. This can quickly expand blood volume, leading
to circulatory overload and pulmonary edema, especially if infused too rapidly.
7. Which of the following IV solutions is considered hypertonic?
A. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
B. Lactated Ringer's
C. 5% Dextrose in Water (D5W)
D. 3% Sodium Chloride
D. 3% Sodium Chloride
Rationale: 3% Sodium Chloride is a hypertonic solution. It is used cautiously to
treat severe hyponatremia and requires close monitoring for fluid overload.
8. What is the correct angle of insertion for a peripheral IV catheter in an adult?
A. 5 to 10 degrees
B. 15 to 30 degrees
C. 45 to 60 degrees
D. 90 degrees
B. 15 to 30 degrees
Rationale: A 15 to 30-degree angle allows the bevel of the needle to enter the
vein smoothly. A lower angle might not pierce the skin, and a higher angle
increases the risk of going through the vein.
9. After inserting an IV catheter and observing a flashback of blood, what is the
next immediate step?
A. Connect the IV tubing and start the infusion.
B. Lower the catheter angle and advance it slightly.
C. Apply pressure above the site.
D. Remove the needle and secure the catheter.
B. Lower the catheter angle and advance it slightly.
Rationale: After a blood flashback, you should lower the catheter to a nearly
flat angle and advance it a few millimeters more into the vein to ensure the plastic
catheter, not just the needle tip, is inside the vessel.
, 10. Which of the following is a sign of IV infiltration?
A. Redness and warmth along the vein.
B. Swelling, coolness, and pallor at the site.
C. A palpable cord along the vein.
D. Blood backing up into the IV tubing.
B. Swelling, coolness, and pallor at the site.
Rationale: Infiltration occurs when IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue.
This causes the site to become swollen, cool to the touch, and pale as the fluid
accumulates.
11. What is the most appropriate initial nursing action when an IV infiltration is
suspected?
A. Apply a warm compress to the site.
B. Continue to monitor the site.
C. Stop the infusion and discontinue the IV.
D. Increase the flow rate to clear the blockage.
C. Stop the infusion and discontinue the IV.
Rationale: The first action is always to stop the infusion to prevent further
fluid from entering the tissue. The IV catheter should then be removed and the
extremity elevated.
12. Phlebitis is characterized by:
A. Swelling and coolness at the site.
B. Redness, warmth, and pain along the vein.
C. A blood return in the tubing.
D. A sudden drop in blood pressure.
B. Redness, warmth, and pain along the vein.
Rationale: Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein. Classic signs include redness,
warmth, tenderness, and sometimes a palpable cord along the path of the vein.
13. What is a common cause of phlebitis?
A. Using a large-gauge catheter in a small vein.
B. Infusing an isotonic solution.
C. Using a new IV site for each infusion.
Final Exam | Questions and Answers |
2026/27 Update | 100% Correct - Las
Vegas College.
1. What is the primary purpose of IV therapy?
A. To provide a route for medication administration only.
B. To maintain or restore fluid and electrolyte balance.
C. To administer blood products exclusively.
D. To prevent all types of infections.
B. To maintain or restore fluid and electrolyte balance.
Rationale: While IV therapy is used for medication and blood products, its
fundamental and broadest purpose is to maintain or restore a patient's fluid and
electrolyte balance, especially when they cannot take anything by mouth.
2. Which of the following is a key responsibility of a Practical Nurse (PN)
regarding IV therapy?
A. Prescribing the type of IV fluid.
B. Inserting a central venous catheter.
C. Monitoring the IV site and flow rate.
D. Adjusting the physician's order for IV fluids.
C. Monitoring the IV site and flow rate.
Rationale: A PN's scope of practice typically includes monitoring the IV site for
complications (like infiltration or phlebitis) and ensuring the prescribed flow rate is
maintained. Prescribing and inserting central lines are outside the PN scope.
3. What is the most common type of IV solution used for fluid resuscitation?
A. Hypotonic solution
B. Isotonic solution
C. Hypertonic solution
,D. Colloid solution
B. Isotonic solution
Rationale: Isotonic solutions, such as 0.9% Normal Saline (NS) or Lactated
Ringer's (LR), have the same osmolarity as blood plasma. They are ideal for
expanding intravascular volume without causing significant fluid shifts into or out
of cells.
4. Which of the following is an example of an isotonic IV solution?
A. 0.45% Sodium Chloride (1/2 NS)
B. 3% Sodium Chloride
C. Lactated Ringer's (LR)
D. 5% Dextrose in 0.45% Sodium Chloride
C. Lactated Ringer's (LR)
Rationale: Lactated Ringer's is an isotonic crystalloid solution. 0.45% NaCl is
hypotonic, 3% NaCl is hypertonic, and D5 0.45% NaCl is hypertonic.
5. A patient is prescribed 0.45% Sodium Chloride. The PN understands this is a:
A. Isotonic solution.
B. Hypotonic solution.
C. Hypertonic solution.
D. Colloid solution.
B. Hypotonic solution.
Rationale: 0.45% Sodium Chloride (half-normal saline) is a hypotonic solution.
It has a lower osmolarity than blood plasma, causing fluid to move out of the
blood vessels and into the cells.
6. What is a primary risk associated with administering a hypertonic solution?
A. Cellular swelling and edema.
B. Fluid overload and pulmonary edema.
C. Hemolysis of red blood cells.
D. Severe dehydration.
B. Fluid overload and pulmonary edema.
Rationale: Hypertonic solutions pull fluid from the intracellular and interstitial
,spaces into the intravascular space. This can quickly expand blood volume, leading
to circulatory overload and pulmonary edema, especially if infused too rapidly.
7. Which of the following IV solutions is considered hypertonic?
A. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
B. Lactated Ringer's
C. 5% Dextrose in Water (D5W)
D. 3% Sodium Chloride
D. 3% Sodium Chloride
Rationale: 3% Sodium Chloride is a hypertonic solution. It is used cautiously to
treat severe hyponatremia and requires close monitoring for fluid overload.
8. What is the correct angle of insertion for a peripheral IV catheter in an adult?
A. 5 to 10 degrees
B. 15 to 30 degrees
C. 45 to 60 degrees
D. 90 degrees
B. 15 to 30 degrees
Rationale: A 15 to 30-degree angle allows the bevel of the needle to enter the
vein smoothly. A lower angle might not pierce the skin, and a higher angle
increases the risk of going through the vein.
9. After inserting an IV catheter and observing a flashback of blood, what is the
next immediate step?
A. Connect the IV tubing and start the infusion.
B. Lower the catheter angle and advance it slightly.
C. Apply pressure above the site.
D. Remove the needle and secure the catheter.
B. Lower the catheter angle and advance it slightly.
Rationale: After a blood flashback, you should lower the catheter to a nearly
flat angle and advance it a few millimeters more into the vein to ensure the plastic
catheter, not just the needle tip, is inside the vessel.
, 10. Which of the following is a sign of IV infiltration?
A. Redness and warmth along the vein.
B. Swelling, coolness, and pallor at the site.
C. A palpable cord along the vein.
D. Blood backing up into the IV tubing.
B. Swelling, coolness, and pallor at the site.
Rationale: Infiltration occurs when IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue.
This causes the site to become swollen, cool to the touch, and pale as the fluid
accumulates.
11. What is the most appropriate initial nursing action when an IV infiltration is
suspected?
A. Apply a warm compress to the site.
B. Continue to monitor the site.
C. Stop the infusion and discontinue the IV.
D. Increase the flow rate to clear the blockage.
C. Stop the infusion and discontinue the IV.
Rationale: The first action is always to stop the infusion to prevent further
fluid from entering the tissue. The IV catheter should then be removed and the
extremity elevated.
12. Phlebitis is characterized by:
A. Swelling and coolness at the site.
B. Redness, warmth, and pain along the vein.
C. A blood return in the tubing.
D. A sudden drop in blood pressure.
B. Redness, warmth, and pain along the vein.
Rationale: Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein. Classic signs include redness,
warmth, tenderness, and sometimes a palpable cord along the path of the vein.
13. What is a common cause of phlebitis?
A. Using a large-gauge catheter in a small vein.
B. Infusing an isotonic solution.
C. Using a new IV site for each infusion.
