NURS 104L: IV Therapy Basics & Fluid Administration Comprehensive
Quiz 2026 |WCU
1. A nurse is preparing to administer 0.45% sodium chloride. Into which
category of intravenous fluids does this solution fall?
A. Isotonic
B. Hypertonic
C. Hypotonic
D. Colloid
Answer: C
Rationale: 0.45% sodium chloride (half-normal saline) is a hypotonic solution because its
osmolarity is lower than that of serum, causing fluid to shift from the intravascular space
into the cells.
2. When assessing an IV site, the nurse notes coolness of the skin, edema, and a
significant decrease in the flow rate. These findings are most indicative of:
A. Phlebitis
B. Septicemia
C. Infiltration
D. Air Embolism
Answer: C
Rationale: Infiltration is characterized by the leakage of non-vesicant IV fluid into the
surrounding tissue, causing coolness, swelling, and slowed infusion rates.
,3. Which of the following actions is a priority for a nurse who suspects a patient
is experiencing an air embolism?
A. Increase the IV flow rate to flush the air through.
B. Place the patient on their left side in Trendelenburg position.
C. Place the patient in the High-Fowler’s position.
D. Apply a warm compress to the IV insertion site.
Answer: B
Rationale: Placing the patient on their left side in Trendelenburg helps trap the air in the
apex of the right ventricle, preventing it from entering the pulmonary artery.
4. A patient is prescribed 3% sodium chloride. The nurse understands that this
hypertonic solution is primarily used to treat:
A. Metabolic alkalosis
B. Dehydration from prolonged vomiting
C. Severe hyponatremia and cerebral edema
D. Fluid volume excess
Answer: C
Rationale: Hypertonic solutions like 3% NaCl are used in critical care to pull fluid out of
cells and into the vascular space, specifically for severe hyponatremia or to reduce
intracranial pressure.
5. When selecting a site for a peripheral IV catheter, which factor should the
nurse prioritize to ensure the longest duration of the site?
A. Start with the most proximal vein available.
B. Choose the dominant hand for better patient movement.
C. Select a distal site on the non-dominant arm.
D. Use the antecubital fossa for all continuous infusions.
Answer: C
, Rationale: Starting at the most distal site allows for subsequent attempts to be made more
proximally if the first site fails. Using the non-dominant arm increases patient comfort and
mobility.
6. A nurse observes a red streak following the vein path above an IV insertion
site, and the area is warm to the touch. The nurse should document this as:
A. Infiltration
B. Extravasation
C. Hematoma
D. Phlebitis
Answer: D
Rationale: Phlebitis is the inflammation of the vein, often presenting with redness,
warmth, and a palpable cord or red streak along the vein.
7. What is the most appropriate action when a nurse notices that a vesicant
medication has leaked into the subcutaneous tissue?
A. Slow the infusion rate and call the pharmacy.
B. Apply a cold compress and continue the medication in a different site.
C. Stop the infusion immediately and disconnect the tubing.
D. Flush the line with 20 mL of normal saline.
Answer: C
Rationale: Extravasation involves vesicants (tissue-damaging drugs). The infusion must be
stopped immediately to prevent further tissue necrosis; specific antidotes may be required
before needle removal.
Quiz 2026 |WCU
1. A nurse is preparing to administer 0.45% sodium chloride. Into which
category of intravenous fluids does this solution fall?
A. Isotonic
B. Hypertonic
C. Hypotonic
D. Colloid
Answer: C
Rationale: 0.45% sodium chloride (half-normal saline) is a hypotonic solution because its
osmolarity is lower than that of serum, causing fluid to shift from the intravascular space
into the cells.
2. When assessing an IV site, the nurse notes coolness of the skin, edema, and a
significant decrease in the flow rate. These findings are most indicative of:
A. Phlebitis
B. Septicemia
C. Infiltration
D. Air Embolism
Answer: C
Rationale: Infiltration is characterized by the leakage of non-vesicant IV fluid into the
surrounding tissue, causing coolness, swelling, and slowed infusion rates.
,3. Which of the following actions is a priority for a nurse who suspects a patient
is experiencing an air embolism?
A. Increase the IV flow rate to flush the air through.
B. Place the patient on their left side in Trendelenburg position.
C. Place the patient in the High-Fowler’s position.
D. Apply a warm compress to the IV insertion site.
Answer: B
Rationale: Placing the patient on their left side in Trendelenburg helps trap the air in the
apex of the right ventricle, preventing it from entering the pulmonary artery.
4. A patient is prescribed 3% sodium chloride. The nurse understands that this
hypertonic solution is primarily used to treat:
A. Metabolic alkalosis
B. Dehydration from prolonged vomiting
C. Severe hyponatremia and cerebral edema
D. Fluid volume excess
Answer: C
Rationale: Hypertonic solutions like 3% NaCl are used in critical care to pull fluid out of
cells and into the vascular space, specifically for severe hyponatremia or to reduce
intracranial pressure.
5. When selecting a site for a peripheral IV catheter, which factor should the
nurse prioritize to ensure the longest duration of the site?
A. Start with the most proximal vein available.
B. Choose the dominant hand for better patient movement.
C. Select a distal site on the non-dominant arm.
D. Use the antecubital fossa for all continuous infusions.
Answer: C
, Rationale: Starting at the most distal site allows for subsequent attempts to be made more
proximally if the first site fails. Using the non-dominant arm increases patient comfort and
mobility.
6. A nurse observes a red streak following the vein path above an IV insertion
site, and the area is warm to the touch. The nurse should document this as:
A. Infiltration
B. Extravasation
C. Hematoma
D. Phlebitis
Answer: D
Rationale: Phlebitis is the inflammation of the vein, often presenting with redness,
warmth, and a palpable cord or red streak along the vein.
7. What is the most appropriate action when a nurse notices that a vesicant
medication has leaked into the subcutaneous tissue?
A. Slow the infusion rate and call the pharmacy.
B. Apply a cold compress and continue the medication in a different site.
C. Stop the infusion immediately and disconnect the tubing.
D. Flush the line with 20 mL of normal saline.
Answer: C
Rationale: Extravasation involves vesicants (tissue-damaging drugs). The infusion must be
stopped immediately to prevent further tissue necrosis; specific antidotes may be required
before needle removal.
