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Hondros 172 Exam 1 – IV Therapy, Fluids,
and Pharmacology Practice Exam
1. The primary purpose of IV therapy is to:
A. Provide rapid hydration
B. Administer medications
C. Correct electrolyte imbalances
D. All of the above
Answer: D
Rationale: IV therapy allows for rapid fluid, electrolyte, and medication administration.
2. Which IV solution is isotonic?
A. 0.45% NaCl (half-normal saline)
B. 0.9% NaCl (normal saline)
C. 3% NaCl (hypertonic saline)
D. 5% dextrose in water (D5W) after metabolism
Answer: B
Rationale: 0.9% NaCl has an osmolarity similar to plasma and is isotonic.
3. Hypertonic IV solutions:
A. Pull fluid from interstitial into intravascular space
B. Hydrate cells
C. Expand extracellular volume without drawing fluid
D. Decrease serum osmolality
Answer: A
4. Signs of fluid overload include:
A. Edema
B. Crackles in lungs
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C. Increased blood pressure
D. All of the above
Answer: D
5. Which electrolyte is primarily responsible for cardiac rhythm?
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 occludes
D. The patient develops phlebitis
Answer: A
7. Phlebitis is characterized by:
A. Redness, warmth, and tenderness along vein
B. Swelling only
C. Low blood pressure
D. Nausea
Answer: A
8. IV site assessment should occur:
A. Every shift
B. Every hour for continuous infusions
C. Only when patient reports discomfort
D. Once daily
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Answer: B
9. Potassium must never be given:
A. Orally
B. Intravenously undiluted as a bolus
C. Mixed with normal saline
D. Through a pump
Answer: B
Rationale: IV potassium bolus can cause cardiac arrest.
10. Normal serum sodium range:
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
12. Which medication requires a check for allergies before administration?
A. Penicillin
B. Acetaminophen
C. Normal saline
D. Dextrose 5%
Answer: A
UPDATED exam 2026
Hondros 172 Exam 1 – IV Therapy, Fluids,
and Pharmacology Practice Exam
1. The primary purpose of IV therapy is to:
A. Provide rapid hydration
B. Administer medications
C. Correct electrolyte imbalances
D. All of the above
Answer: D
Rationale: IV therapy allows for rapid fluid, electrolyte, and medication administration.
2. Which IV solution is isotonic?
A. 0.45% NaCl (half-normal saline)
B. 0.9% NaCl (normal saline)
C. 3% NaCl (hypertonic saline)
D. 5% dextrose in water (D5W) after metabolism
Answer: B
Rationale: 0.9% NaCl has an osmolarity similar to plasma and is isotonic.
3. Hypertonic IV solutions:
A. Pull fluid from interstitial into intravascular space
B. Hydrate cells
C. Expand extracellular volume without drawing fluid
D. Decrease serum osmolality
Answer: A
4. Signs of fluid overload include:
A. Edema
B. Crackles in lungs
UPDATED exam 2026
,2|Page
C. Increased blood pressure
D. All of the above
Answer: D
5. Which electrolyte is primarily responsible for cardiac rhythm?
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 occludes
D. The patient develops phlebitis
Answer: A
7. Phlebitis is characterized by:
A. Redness, warmth, and tenderness along vein
B. Swelling only
C. Low blood pressure
D. Nausea
Answer: A
8. IV site assessment should occur:
A. Every shift
B. Every hour for continuous infusions
C. Only when patient reports discomfort
D. Once daily
UPDATED exam 2026
, 3|Page
Answer: B
9. Potassium must never be given:
A. Orally
B. Intravenously undiluted as a bolus
C. Mixed with normal saline
D. Through a pump
Answer: B
Rationale: IV potassium bolus can cause cardiac arrest.
10. Normal serum sodium range:
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
12. Which medication requires a check for allergies before administration?
A. Penicillin
B. Acetaminophen
C. Normal saline
D. Dextrose 5%
Answer: A
UPDATED exam 2026
