IV THERAPY NCLEX PRACTICE & REVIEW GUIDE 2026 |
NGN-STYLE QUESTIONS TESTBANK
100+ (2026 A+ Verified) Exam Questions | Verified Solutions | Correct Answer Keys
Document Overview
This comprehensive examination package contains 101 expertly curated questions across 3 critical modules : IV therapy
NCLEX Review 1, IV therapy NCLEX Review 2, IV therapy NCLEX Review 3. Each question is accompanied by verified correct
answers and detailed rationales designed to enhance understanding and retention. This 2026-updated resource provides complete
coverage of essential concepts, clinical applications, and evidence-based practices. Perfect for certification preparation, academic
review, and professional development.
Table of Contents
IV therapy NCLEX Review 1 ............................................................................................ Q1-13
IV therapy NCLEX Review 2 ........................................................................................... Q14-27
IV therapy NCLEX Review 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Q28-101
,IV therapy NCLEX Review 1 13 Questions
Question 1 IV therapy NCLEX Review 1
Slow the IV infusion
CORRECT ANSWER
A client had a 1000 mL bag of 5% dextrose in 0.9% sodium chloride hung at 3pm. The nurse making rounds at 3:45 pm finds that the
client is complaining of a pounding headache and is dyspneic, is experiencing chills, and is apprehensive, with an increased pulse rate. The
IV bag has 400 mL remaining. The nurse should take which action first?
1. Call the physician
2. Slow the IV infusion
3. Sit the client up in bed
4. Remove the IV catheter
Rationale: The correct answer is because the client's symptoms, such as pounding headache, dyspnea, chills, apprehension, and increased pulse rate,
suggest a possible hyperventilation and subsequent respiratory alkalosis caused by the rapid infusion of the hypertonic 5% dextrose solution, which
increases blood osmolality and triggers an appropriate compensatory hyperventilation response. The nurse's first priority should be to slow the IV
infusion to prevent further exacerbation of these symptoms and allow the body to gradually readjust to the new osmolality.
Question 2 IV therapy NCLEX Review 1
Rotate the bag gently
CORRECT ANSWER
The nurse has a prescription to hang an IV bag of 1000 mL 5% dextrose in water with 20 mEq potassium chloride. The nurse should plan
to do which of the following immediately after injecting the potassium chloride in to the port of the IV bag?
1. Rotate the bag gently.
2. Attach the tubing to the client
3. Prime the tubing with the IV solution
Check the solution for yellowish discoloration
Rationale: Rotating the bag gently is the correct answer because it helps to ensure even distribution of the potassium chloride in the IV solution,
preventing it from settling at the bottom of the bag and potentially causing an uneven infusion rate. This is a crucial step to prevent potential
complications, such as an IV solution with a high concentration of potassium chloride that could lead to cardiac arrhythmias or other adverse effects.
Question 3 IV therapy NCLEX Review 1
Circulatory overload
CORRECT ANSWER
A client with the recent diagnosis of MI and impaired renal function is recuperating on the step-down cardiac unit. The client's blood
pressure has been borderline low and IV fluids have been infusing at 100 mL /hr via a central line catheter in the right internal jugular for
approx 24 hours to increase renal output and maintain the blood pressure. Upon entering the client's room, the nurse notes that the client
is breathing rapidly and is coughing. The nurse determines that the client is most likely experiencing which complication of IV therapy.
1. Hematoma
2. Air embolism
3. Systemic infection
4. Circulatory overload
Rationale: The client's rapid breathing and coughing are indicative of respiratory distress, a common symptom of circulatory overload, which occurs
when the body is unable to efficiently manage the volume of IV fluids, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs. In this scenario, the client's impaired renal
function and low blood pressure may have limited their ability to process the fluids, exacerbating the risk of circulatory overload.
,Question 4 IV therapy NCLEX Review 1
Infiltration
CORRECT ANSWER
The nurse is making initial rounds on the nursing unit to assess the condition of assigned clients. The nurse notes that a client's IV site is
cool, pale, and swollen, and the solution is not infusing. The nurse concludes that which of the following complications has occurred.
1. Infection
2. Phlebitis
3. Infiltration
4. Thrombosis
Rationale: The nurse observes that the IV site is cool, pale, and swollen, indicating that the tissue surrounding the IV site is being affected, which is a
characteristic of fluid accumulation. This suggests that the IV solution has escaped into the surrounding tissue, rather than being confined to the vein,
which aligns with the definition of infiltration.
Question 5 IV therapy NCLEX Review 1
Blood return shows in the backflash chamber of the catheter.
CORRECT ANSWER
The nurse is inserting an IV line into a client's vein. After the initial stick, the nurse continues to advance the catheter if:
1. The catheter advances easily
2. The vein is distended under the needle
3. The client does not complain of discomfort
4. Blood return shows in the backflash chamber of the catheter.
Rationale: When blood returns to the backflash chamber of the catheter, it indicates that the catheter has entered the venous space and is in direct
communication with the bloodstream, allowing for successful IV insertion. This visual confirmation of blood flow is a key indicator that the catheter is
correctly positioned, making it a crucial factor in determining whether to advance the catheter further.
Question 6 IV therapy NCLEX Review 1
Phlebitis of the vein
CORRECT ANSWER
The nurse nostes that the site of a client's peripheral IV catheter is reddened, warm, painful, and slightly edematous proximal to the
insertion point of the IV catheter. After taking appropriate steps to care for the client, the nurse documents in the medical record that the
client experienced:
1. Phlebitis of the vein
2. Infiltration of the IV line
3. Hypersensitivity to the IV solution
4. Allergic reaction to the IV catheter material
Rationale: The key symptoms described, such as redness, warmth, pain, and edema proximal to the IV catheter insertion point, are characteristic of
an inflammatory response, which is a hallmark of phlebitis. In phlebitis, the vein becomes inflamed due to irritation or injury, often caused by the IV
catheter or infusion solution, making option 1 the correct answer.
, Question 7 IV therapy NCLEX Review 1
Obtain new IV tubing
CORRECT ANSWER
The nurse is preparing a continuous IV infusion at the medication cart. As the nurse goes to attach the distal end of the IV tubing to a
needleless device,the exposed tubing drops and hits the top of the medication cart. Which of the following is the appropriate action by the
nurse?
1. Obtain new IV tubing
2. Attach a new needleless device.
3. Wipe the distal end of the tubing with Betadine
4. Scrub the needleless device with an alcohol swab
Rationale: Obtaining new IV tubing is the correct action because exposing the IV tubing to the environment, in this case, dropping it on the
medication cart, increases the risk of contamination, which could lead to infection or medication errors. Reusing the contaminated tubing may introduce
pathogens into the sterile IV administration set, compromising patient safety and potentially causing harm.
Question 8 IV therapy NCLEX Review 1
Sterile 2x2 gauze
CORRECT ANSWER
A physician has written a prescription to discontinue an IV line. The nurse obtains which of the following supplies from the unit supply area
for applying pressure to the site after removing the IV catheter?
1. Elastic wrap
2. Betadine swab
3. Adhesive bandage
4. Sterile 2x2 gauze
Rationale: The correct answer is "Sterile 2x2 gauze" because applying pressure to the IV site requires a sterile material to minimize the risk of
infection after the catheter is removed. A 2x2 gauze is a standard size for applying pressure and is typically available in sterile packaging, making it the
best choice for this specific situation.
Question 9 IV therapy NCLEX Review 1
Portable chest x-ray film
CORRECT ANSWER
A client has just undergone insertion of a central venous catheter at the bedside. The nurse would be sure to check the results of which of
the following before initiating the flow rate of the client's IV solution at 100 mL/hr?
1. Serum osmolality
2. Serum electrolyte levels
3. Portable chest x-ray film
4. Intake and output record
Rationale: The nurse would check the results of the portable chest x-ray film to ensure the central venous catheter is properly placed and not causing
any respiratory complications, such as pneumothorax, which could be life-threatening if the IV solution is initiated too quickly. Checking the catheter's
placement and the client's respiratory status is crucial before increasing the flow rate of the IV solution.
NGN-STYLE QUESTIONS TESTBANK
100+ (2026 A+ Verified) Exam Questions | Verified Solutions | Correct Answer Keys
Document Overview
This comprehensive examination package contains 101 expertly curated questions across 3 critical modules : IV therapy
NCLEX Review 1, IV therapy NCLEX Review 2, IV therapy NCLEX Review 3. Each question is accompanied by verified correct
answers and detailed rationales designed to enhance understanding and retention. This 2026-updated resource provides complete
coverage of essential concepts, clinical applications, and evidence-based practices. Perfect for certification preparation, academic
review, and professional development.
Table of Contents
IV therapy NCLEX Review 1 ............................................................................................ Q1-13
IV therapy NCLEX Review 2 ........................................................................................... Q14-27
IV therapy NCLEX Review 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Q28-101
,IV therapy NCLEX Review 1 13 Questions
Question 1 IV therapy NCLEX Review 1
Slow the IV infusion
CORRECT ANSWER
A client had a 1000 mL bag of 5% dextrose in 0.9% sodium chloride hung at 3pm. The nurse making rounds at 3:45 pm finds that the
client is complaining of a pounding headache and is dyspneic, is experiencing chills, and is apprehensive, with an increased pulse rate. The
IV bag has 400 mL remaining. The nurse should take which action first?
1. Call the physician
2. Slow the IV infusion
3. Sit the client up in bed
4. Remove the IV catheter
Rationale: The correct answer is because the client's symptoms, such as pounding headache, dyspnea, chills, apprehension, and increased pulse rate,
suggest a possible hyperventilation and subsequent respiratory alkalosis caused by the rapid infusion of the hypertonic 5% dextrose solution, which
increases blood osmolality and triggers an appropriate compensatory hyperventilation response. The nurse's first priority should be to slow the IV
infusion to prevent further exacerbation of these symptoms and allow the body to gradually readjust to the new osmolality.
Question 2 IV therapy NCLEX Review 1
Rotate the bag gently
CORRECT ANSWER
The nurse has a prescription to hang an IV bag of 1000 mL 5% dextrose in water with 20 mEq potassium chloride. The nurse should plan
to do which of the following immediately after injecting the potassium chloride in to the port of the IV bag?
1. Rotate the bag gently.
2. Attach the tubing to the client
3. Prime the tubing with the IV solution
Check the solution for yellowish discoloration
Rationale: Rotating the bag gently is the correct answer because it helps to ensure even distribution of the potassium chloride in the IV solution,
preventing it from settling at the bottom of the bag and potentially causing an uneven infusion rate. This is a crucial step to prevent potential
complications, such as an IV solution with a high concentration of potassium chloride that could lead to cardiac arrhythmias or other adverse effects.
Question 3 IV therapy NCLEX Review 1
Circulatory overload
CORRECT ANSWER
A client with the recent diagnosis of MI and impaired renal function is recuperating on the step-down cardiac unit. The client's blood
pressure has been borderline low and IV fluids have been infusing at 100 mL /hr via a central line catheter in the right internal jugular for
approx 24 hours to increase renal output and maintain the blood pressure. Upon entering the client's room, the nurse notes that the client
is breathing rapidly and is coughing. The nurse determines that the client is most likely experiencing which complication of IV therapy.
1. Hematoma
2. Air embolism
3. Systemic infection
4. Circulatory overload
Rationale: The client's rapid breathing and coughing are indicative of respiratory distress, a common symptom of circulatory overload, which occurs
when the body is unable to efficiently manage the volume of IV fluids, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs. In this scenario, the client's impaired renal
function and low blood pressure may have limited their ability to process the fluids, exacerbating the risk of circulatory overload.
,Question 4 IV therapy NCLEX Review 1
Infiltration
CORRECT ANSWER
The nurse is making initial rounds on the nursing unit to assess the condition of assigned clients. The nurse notes that a client's IV site is
cool, pale, and swollen, and the solution is not infusing. The nurse concludes that which of the following complications has occurred.
1. Infection
2. Phlebitis
3. Infiltration
4. Thrombosis
Rationale: The nurse observes that the IV site is cool, pale, and swollen, indicating that the tissue surrounding the IV site is being affected, which is a
characteristic of fluid accumulation. This suggests that the IV solution has escaped into the surrounding tissue, rather than being confined to the vein,
which aligns with the definition of infiltration.
Question 5 IV therapy NCLEX Review 1
Blood return shows in the backflash chamber of the catheter.
CORRECT ANSWER
The nurse is inserting an IV line into a client's vein. After the initial stick, the nurse continues to advance the catheter if:
1. The catheter advances easily
2. The vein is distended under the needle
3. The client does not complain of discomfort
4. Blood return shows in the backflash chamber of the catheter.
Rationale: When blood returns to the backflash chamber of the catheter, it indicates that the catheter has entered the venous space and is in direct
communication with the bloodstream, allowing for successful IV insertion. This visual confirmation of blood flow is a key indicator that the catheter is
correctly positioned, making it a crucial factor in determining whether to advance the catheter further.
Question 6 IV therapy NCLEX Review 1
Phlebitis of the vein
CORRECT ANSWER
The nurse nostes that the site of a client's peripheral IV catheter is reddened, warm, painful, and slightly edematous proximal to the
insertion point of the IV catheter. After taking appropriate steps to care for the client, the nurse documents in the medical record that the
client experienced:
1. Phlebitis of the vein
2. Infiltration of the IV line
3. Hypersensitivity to the IV solution
4. Allergic reaction to the IV catheter material
Rationale: The key symptoms described, such as redness, warmth, pain, and edema proximal to the IV catheter insertion point, are characteristic of
an inflammatory response, which is a hallmark of phlebitis. In phlebitis, the vein becomes inflamed due to irritation or injury, often caused by the IV
catheter or infusion solution, making option 1 the correct answer.
, Question 7 IV therapy NCLEX Review 1
Obtain new IV tubing
CORRECT ANSWER
The nurse is preparing a continuous IV infusion at the medication cart. As the nurse goes to attach the distal end of the IV tubing to a
needleless device,the exposed tubing drops and hits the top of the medication cart. Which of the following is the appropriate action by the
nurse?
1. Obtain new IV tubing
2. Attach a new needleless device.
3. Wipe the distal end of the tubing with Betadine
4. Scrub the needleless device with an alcohol swab
Rationale: Obtaining new IV tubing is the correct action because exposing the IV tubing to the environment, in this case, dropping it on the
medication cart, increases the risk of contamination, which could lead to infection or medication errors. Reusing the contaminated tubing may introduce
pathogens into the sterile IV administration set, compromising patient safety and potentially causing harm.
Question 8 IV therapy NCLEX Review 1
Sterile 2x2 gauze
CORRECT ANSWER
A physician has written a prescription to discontinue an IV line. The nurse obtains which of the following supplies from the unit supply area
for applying pressure to the site after removing the IV catheter?
1. Elastic wrap
2. Betadine swab
3. Adhesive bandage
4. Sterile 2x2 gauze
Rationale: The correct answer is "Sterile 2x2 gauze" because applying pressure to the IV site requires a sterile material to minimize the risk of
infection after the catheter is removed. A 2x2 gauze is a standard size for applying pressure and is typically available in sterile packaging, making it the
best choice for this specific situation.
Question 9 IV therapy NCLEX Review 1
Portable chest x-ray film
CORRECT ANSWER
A client has just undergone insertion of a central venous catheter at the bedside. The nurse would be sure to check the results of which of
the following before initiating the flow rate of the client's IV solution at 100 mL/hr?
1. Serum osmolality
2. Serum electrolyte levels
3. Portable chest x-ray film
4. Intake and output record
Rationale: The nurse would check the results of the portable chest x-ray film to ensure the central venous catheter is properly placed and not causing
any respiratory complications, such as pneumothorax, which could be life-threatening if the IV solution is initiated too quickly. Checking the catheter's
placement and the client's respiratory status is crucial before increasing the flow rate of the IV solution.
