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Hondros 172 Exam 1 – IV Therapy, Fluids,
and Pharmacology (Practice Exam)
1. The main purpose of IV therapy is to:
A. Deliver medications
B. Maintain hydration
C. Correct electrolyte imbalances
D. All of the above
Answer: D
Rationale: IV therapy allows rapid administration of fluids, electrolytes, and medications.
2. Which IV solution is isotonic?
A. 0.45% NaCl
B. 0.9% NaCl
C. 3% NaCl
D. D5W after metabolism
Answer: B
Rationale: 0.9% NaCl has an osmolarity similar to plasma.
3. Hypertonic IV solutions:
A. Draw fluid from interstitial space into intravascular space
B. Hydrate cells
C. Expand extracellular volume without pulling fluid
D. Decrease serum osmolality
Answer: A
UPDATED exam 2026
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4. Signs of fluid overload include:
A. Edema
B. Crackles in lungs
C. Elevated blood pressure
D. All of the above
Answer: D
5. The electrolyte most critical for cardiac function is:
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Magnesium
Answer: B
6. IV infiltration occurs when:
A. Fluid leaks into surrounding tissue
B. Air enters the IV line
C. The catheter becomes occluded
D. The patient develops phlebitis
Answer: A
7. Phlebitis is characterized by:
A. Redness, warmth, and tenderness along the vein
B. Swelling only
C. Low blood pressure
D. Nausea
Answer: A
UPDATED exam 2026
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8. IV site assessment should occur:
A. Once per shift
B. Every hour for continuous infusions
C. Only if the patient reports discomfort
D. Once daily
Answer: B
9. Potassium must never be given:
A. Orally
B. IV push undiluted
C. Mixed with saline
D. Through a pump
Answer: B
10. Normal serum sodium range is:
A. 135–145 mEq/L
B. 3.5–5.0 mEq/L
C. 8.5–10.5 mg/dL
D. 1.5–2.5 mEq/L
Answer: A
11. The purpose of a saline lock is:
A. Continuous IV infusion
B. Intermittent access for medications
C. Monitor blood pressure
D. Administer large-volume fluids only
Answer: B
UPDATED exam 2026
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12. Which medication requires allergy assessment before administration?
A. Penicillin
B. Acetaminophen
C. Normal saline
D. Dextrose 5%
Answer: A
13. Accurate IV drip calculation is:
A. Volume ÷ Time × Drop factor
B. Volume ÷ Weight
C. Drops ÷ Hour
D. Volume ÷ Number of nurses
Answer: A
14. Extravasation differs from infiltration because:
A. It damages tissue due to vesicant medication
B. Only causes edema
C. Is less serious
D. Occurs only in children
Answer: A
15. Common isotonic solution for hypovolemia:
A. D5W
B. 0.9% NaCl
C. 0.45% NaCl
D. 3% NaCl
Answer: B
UPDATED exam 2026
Hondros 172 Exam 1 – IV Therapy, Fluids,
and Pharmacology (Practice Exam)
1. The main purpose of IV therapy is to:
A. Deliver medications
B. Maintain hydration
C. Correct electrolyte imbalances
D. All of the above
Answer: D
Rationale: IV therapy allows rapid administration of fluids, electrolytes, and medications.
2. Which IV solution is isotonic?
A. 0.45% NaCl
B. 0.9% NaCl
C. 3% NaCl
D. D5W after metabolism
Answer: B
Rationale: 0.9% NaCl has an osmolarity similar to plasma.
3. Hypertonic IV solutions:
A. Draw fluid from interstitial space into intravascular space
B. Hydrate cells
C. Expand extracellular volume without pulling fluid
D. Decrease serum osmolality
Answer: A
UPDATED exam 2026
,2|Page
4. Signs of fluid overload include:
A. Edema
B. Crackles in lungs
C. Elevated blood pressure
D. All of the above
Answer: D
5. The electrolyte most critical for cardiac function is:
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Magnesium
Answer: B
6. IV infiltration occurs when:
A. Fluid leaks into surrounding tissue
B. Air enters the IV line
C. The catheter becomes occluded
D. The patient develops phlebitis
Answer: A
7. Phlebitis is characterized by:
A. Redness, warmth, and tenderness along the vein
B. Swelling only
C. Low blood pressure
D. Nausea
Answer: A
UPDATED exam 2026
,3|Page
8. IV site assessment should occur:
A. Once per shift
B. Every hour for continuous infusions
C. Only if the patient reports discomfort
D. Once daily
Answer: B
9. Potassium must never be given:
A. Orally
B. IV push undiluted
C. Mixed with saline
D. Through a pump
Answer: B
10. Normal serum sodium range is:
A. 135–145 mEq/L
B. 3.5–5.0 mEq/L
C. 8.5–10.5 mg/dL
D. 1.5–2.5 mEq/L
Answer: A
11. The purpose of a saline lock is:
A. Continuous IV infusion
B. Intermittent access for medications
C. Monitor blood pressure
D. Administer large-volume fluids only
Answer: B
UPDATED exam 2026
, 4|Page
12. Which medication requires allergy assessment before administration?
A. Penicillin
B. Acetaminophen
C. Normal saline
D. Dextrose 5%
Answer: A
13. Accurate IV drip calculation is:
A. Volume ÷ Time × Drop factor
B. Volume ÷ Weight
C. Drops ÷ Hour
D. Volume ÷ Number of nurses
Answer: A
14. Extravasation differs from infiltration because:
A. It damages tissue due to vesicant medication
B. Only causes edema
C. Is less serious
D. Occurs only in children
Answer: A
15. Common isotonic solution for hypovolemia:
A. D5W
B. 0.9% NaCl
C. 0.45% NaCl
D. 3% NaCl
Answer: B
UPDATED exam 2026
