SECTION 2: FUNDAMENTALS OF IV THERAPY — CNJNE IV CERTIFICATION EXAM 2025 TOTAL QUESTIONS:
100] PRACTICE TEST EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains:
Anatomy and Physiology of the Vascular System
Pharmacology and Drug Compatibility
Infection Control and Aseptic Technique
IV Catheter Selection and Insertion
Complications of IV Therapy
Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
Legal, Ethical, and Regulatory Standards
Patient Assessment and Monitoring
Calculating Infusion Rates and Dosages
Special Populations (Pediatrics, Geriatrics)
Introduction:
This comprehensive practice examination is designed to assess the candidate's readiness for the CNJNE IV
Certification Exam. It evaluates foundational knowledge, critical thinking, and clinical decision-making skills
essential for safe and effective IV therapy practice. The exam is structured with 100 multiple-choice questions and
scenario-based items that reflect real-world clinical situations. The content covers a broad spectrum of core
domains, from vascular anatomy and pharmacology to infection control and legal standards. Success on this exam
,indicates a practitioner's ability to apply theoretical knowledge to complex patient care scenarios, ensuring
competence and patient safety in all aspects of intravenous therapy. This assessment is a crucial step for nursing
professionals seeking to validate their expertise in this specialized area of practice.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 – 100
1. When performing a venipuncture, at what angle should the needle be inserted for a standard antecubital
vein?
A. 5- to 10-degree angle
B. 15- to 30-degree angle
C. 45- to 60-degree angle
D. 90-degree angle
🟢 B. 15- to 30-degree angle
🔴 RATIONALE: A 15- to 30-degree angle is the standard recommended angle for inserting an IV catheter into
a vein. This allows the needle to enter the lumen without passing through the posterior wall. A 5- to 10-degree
angle is too shallow for a clean puncture, while 45 degrees or more increases the risk of going through the vein.
2. The primary site for initiation of IV therapy in an adult is the:
A. Dorsal venous arch of the foot
B. Cephalic vein of the forearm
C. Basilic vein of the upper arm
D. Femoral vein of the groin
,🟢 B. Cephalic vein of the forearm
🔴 RATIONALE: The cephalic vein in the forearm is a preferred site for IV access in adults because it is large,
well-anchored, and easily accessible. The foot is a secondary site used only when upper extremity veins are
unavailable, and the femoral vein is typically avoided for routine IV therapy due to a higher risk of infection and
complications.
3. Which of the following is a contraindication for placing an IV in the same extremity as a mastectomy?
A. Patient has a history of hypertension
B. The arm is on the same side as the mastectomy
C. Patient has a small, superficial vein
D. The patient is diabetic
🟢 B. The arm is on the same side as the mastectomy
🔴 RATIONALE: It is contraindicated to perform venipuncture on the same side as a mastectomy due to the
potential for lymphedema, which can be exacerbated by trauma or infection from an IV. The risk is high because
lymphatic drainage has been compromised.
4. The recommended maximum time a short peripheral IV catheter (PIVC) should remain in place in an adult
is:
A. 24 hours
B. 48 to 72 hours
C. 96 hours
D. 7 days
🟢 C. 96 hours
🔴 RATIONALE: The CDC and INS guidelines recommend that a short peripheral IV catheter should be replaced
, no more frequently than every 72 to 96 hours to reduce the risk of infection and phlebitis. However, it should be
removed immediately if complications develop.
5. Which of the following IV solutions would be classified as isotonic?
A. 5% Dextrose in Water (D5W)
B. 0.45% Sodium Chloride (1/2 NS)
C. 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline)
D. 3% Sodium Chloride (Hypertonic Saline)
🟢 C. 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline)
🔴 RATIONALE: Normal Saline (0.9% NaCl) has an osmolarity of about 308 mOsm/L, similar to plasma (275–295
mOsm/L), making it isotonic. D5W is isotonic in the bag but becomes hypotonic in the body after glucose is
metabolized. 0.45% NaCl is hypotonic, and 3% NaCl is hypertonic.
6. A nurse is preparing to administer a vesicant chemotherapy drug. Which action is most critical for patient
safety?
A. Use a 25-gauge needle to minimize trauma.
B. Ensure the IV site is placed in a small vein.
C. Infuse the drug rapidly to dilute its effect.
D. Confirm a blood return before starting the infusion.
🟢 D. Confirm a blood return before starting the infusion.
🔴 RATIONALE: Before administering a vesicant drug, it is imperative to confirm that the IV catheter is properly
positioned in the vein with a blood return. This ensures the drug will not extravasate into the surrounding tissue,
which can cause severe tissue necrosis. Small veins and rapid infusions are not protective strategies and
increase the risk of injury.
100] PRACTICE TEST EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains:
Anatomy and Physiology of the Vascular System
Pharmacology and Drug Compatibility
Infection Control and Aseptic Technique
IV Catheter Selection and Insertion
Complications of IV Therapy
Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
Legal, Ethical, and Regulatory Standards
Patient Assessment and Monitoring
Calculating Infusion Rates and Dosages
Special Populations (Pediatrics, Geriatrics)
Introduction:
This comprehensive practice examination is designed to assess the candidate's readiness for the CNJNE IV
Certification Exam. It evaluates foundational knowledge, critical thinking, and clinical decision-making skills
essential for safe and effective IV therapy practice. The exam is structured with 100 multiple-choice questions and
scenario-based items that reflect real-world clinical situations. The content covers a broad spectrum of core
domains, from vascular anatomy and pharmacology to infection control and legal standards. Success on this exam
,indicates a practitioner's ability to apply theoretical knowledge to complex patient care scenarios, ensuring
competence and patient safety in all aspects of intravenous therapy. This assessment is a crucial step for nursing
professionals seeking to validate their expertise in this specialized area of practice.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 – 100
1. When performing a venipuncture, at what angle should the needle be inserted for a standard antecubital
vein?
A. 5- to 10-degree angle
B. 15- to 30-degree angle
C. 45- to 60-degree angle
D. 90-degree angle
🟢 B. 15- to 30-degree angle
🔴 RATIONALE: A 15- to 30-degree angle is the standard recommended angle for inserting an IV catheter into
a vein. This allows the needle to enter the lumen without passing through the posterior wall. A 5- to 10-degree
angle is too shallow for a clean puncture, while 45 degrees or more increases the risk of going through the vein.
2. The primary site for initiation of IV therapy in an adult is the:
A. Dorsal venous arch of the foot
B. Cephalic vein of the forearm
C. Basilic vein of the upper arm
D. Femoral vein of the groin
,🟢 B. Cephalic vein of the forearm
🔴 RATIONALE: The cephalic vein in the forearm is a preferred site for IV access in adults because it is large,
well-anchored, and easily accessible. The foot is a secondary site used only when upper extremity veins are
unavailable, and the femoral vein is typically avoided for routine IV therapy due to a higher risk of infection and
complications.
3. Which of the following is a contraindication for placing an IV in the same extremity as a mastectomy?
A. Patient has a history of hypertension
B. The arm is on the same side as the mastectomy
C. Patient has a small, superficial vein
D. The patient is diabetic
🟢 B. The arm is on the same side as the mastectomy
🔴 RATIONALE: It is contraindicated to perform venipuncture on the same side as a mastectomy due to the
potential for lymphedema, which can be exacerbated by trauma or infection from an IV. The risk is high because
lymphatic drainage has been compromised.
4. The recommended maximum time a short peripheral IV catheter (PIVC) should remain in place in an adult
is:
A. 24 hours
B. 48 to 72 hours
C. 96 hours
D. 7 days
🟢 C. 96 hours
🔴 RATIONALE: The CDC and INS guidelines recommend that a short peripheral IV catheter should be replaced
, no more frequently than every 72 to 96 hours to reduce the risk of infection and phlebitis. However, it should be
removed immediately if complications develop.
5. Which of the following IV solutions would be classified as isotonic?
A. 5% Dextrose in Water (D5W)
B. 0.45% Sodium Chloride (1/2 NS)
C. 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline)
D. 3% Sodium Chloride (Hypertonic Saline)
🟢 C. 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline)
🔴 RATIONALE: Normal Saline (0.9% NaCl) has an osmolarity of about 308 mOsm/L, similar to plasma (275–295
mOsm/L), making it isotonic. D5W is isotonic in the bag but becomes hypotonic in the body after glucose is
metabolized. 0.45% NaCl is hypotonic, and 3% NaCl is hypertonic.
6. A nurse is preparing to administer a vesicant chemotherapy drug. Which action is most critical for patient
safety?
A. Use a 25-gauge needle to minimize trauma.
B. Ensure the IV site is placed in a small vein.
C. Infuse the drug rapidly to dilute its effect.
D. Confirm a blood return before starting the infusion.
🟢 D. Confirm a blood return before starting the infusion.
🔴 RATIONALE: Before administering a vesicant drug, it is imperative to confirm that the IV catheter is properly
positioned in the vein with a blood return. This ensures the drug will not extravasate into the surrounding tissue,
which can cause severe tissue necrosis. Small veins and rapid infusions are not protective strategies and
increase the risk of injury.
