((Please select only one answer for each of the following questions)
1. Which of the following steps should the nurse include when preparing for IV catheter insertion? Go to
Question 2
A. Apply a tourniquet above the selected site.
B. Shave the hair from the selected site.
C. Tap and massage the selected vein vigorously.
D. Select a proximal site in an extremity.
2. After two unsuccessful attempts to insert an IV catheter in an older adult patient, what should be the nurse’s next action? Go to
Question 3
A. Notify the practitioner that an IV line cannot be started.
B. Attempt a third and final time, using a site on the opposite arm.
C. Place a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC).
D. Ask another nurse to attempt another insertion.
3. After inserting an over-the-needle catheter through the skin and into the vein, the nurse’s next action should be which of the following? Go to
Question 4
A. Advance the catheter and needle until the hub rests at the insertion site.
B. Loosen the stylet for removal.
C. Check for blood return in the flashback chamber.
D. Stabilize the catheter and release the tourniquet.
4. Which of the following steps should the nurse include when inserting an over-the-needle catheter? Go to
Question 5
A. Advance the catheter until the hub rests at the venipuncture site.
B. Anchor the vein above the insertion site while advancing the catheter.
C. Insert the catheter bevel up at a 90-degree angle.
D. Place a finger on the insertion site to anchor the newly-placed IV.
5. After placing an IV catheter in a patient’s forearm, the nurse should take which action to secure it in place? Go to
Question 6
A. Tape all edges of a 2 × 2 sterile gauze pad.
B. Place a piece of tape securely over the insertion site.
C. Wrap gauze over the IV and around the entire arm.
D. Place a piece of tape across the transparent dressing to keep it in place.
6. When selecting a potential IV site on an older adult patient, the nurse should consider which of the following? Go to
Question 7
A. Older adults have increased subcutaneous tissue that may obscure veins.
B. Dorsal veins in the hands should be avoided if possible.
C. The most distal site in the dominant arm is preferred.
D. Slapping the IV site will cause the desired dilation of the veins.
7. When looking for a well-dilated vein in which to insert an IV catheter, the nurse keeps the extremity in a dependent position and applies heat. What is another technique that the nurse might use? Go to
Question 8
A. Stroke the extremity from proximal to distal below the proposed venipuncture site.
B. Stroke the extremity from distal to proximal below the proposed venipuncture site.
C. Elevate the arm on pillows for several minutes before attempting to start the IV.
D. Apply a second tourniquet below the anticipated site in order to isolate the targeted vein.
8. The charge nurse is evaluating a new nurse’s ability to start an IV. Which of the following actions by the new nurse may indicate the need for more education? Go to
Question 9
A. Palpating the vein by pressing down and noting resiliency
B. Applying the tourniquet as tightly as possible
C. Placing the extremity in a dependent position
D. Asking the patient if he or she is right or left handed
9. The nurse is making initial rounds. When assessing the patient, the nurse notices that the IV site is swollen and cool to the touch and that the IV is running very slowly. What is the most likely cause? Go to
Question 10
A. Positional IV
B. Infiltration
C. Fluid volume excess
D. Phlebitis
10. An obese patient who had a right mastectomy several years ago has better veins in her right hand but is left handed. Where should the nurse place the IV catheter? Go to
Question 11
A. In her right hand
B. In her left lower arm
C. Wherever the patient wants
D. In her left antecubital site
11. Which of the following is an appropriate action for the nurse who is preparing to start an IV catheter on a 9-year-old child? Back to Top
A. Allow the child to select the IV site.
B. Consider using veins in the scalp or the foot.
C. Ask the child’s parents to leave the room.
D. Perform the venipuncture in the child’s room.