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UPDATED NCLEX-RN IV THERAPY & MEDICATION
ADMINISTRATION QUESTIONS 2025–2026 | SAUNDERS
9TH ED CHAPTER 14 | 140 REAL A+ PRACTICE Q&A
FOR GUARANTEED PASS”
Question 1 (Multiple Choice - Single Response)
A nurse is starting an IV infusion of normal saline at 125 mL/hr. Which is the first
step before inserting the IV catheter?
A. Verify the provider’s prescription and patient identity
B. Prime the IV tubing with saline
C. Apply the tourniquet above the insertion site
D. Clean the insertion site with an antiseptic
Correct Answer: A. Verify the provider’s prescription and patient identity
Rationale:
Before any IV therapy, verification of the provider’s order and correct patient
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identification is the first and most critical safety step. Priming the tubing, applying
a tourniquet, and site cleaning occur after confirming the correct order and patient.
Question 2 (Multiple Choice - Single Response)
A nurse is caring for a patient with an IV infusing D5NS. The site appears swollen,
cool, and pale. Which action is priority?
A. Stop the IV infusion immediately
B. Apply a warm compress to the site
C. Elevate the affected extremity
D. Notify the healthcare provider
Correct Answer: A. Stop the IV infusion immediately
Rationale:
A swollen, cool, and pale IV site indicates infiltration. The infusion must be
stopped immediately to prevent further tissue damage before applying compresses
or notifying the provider.
Question 3 (Multiple Choice - Single Response)
Which patient statement indicates the need for further teaching about IV therapy?
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A. “I should call the nurse if the IV site feels painful.”
B. “It is normal for my hand to be slightly swollen all day.”
C. “If I notice fluid leaking, I should call the nurse.”
D. “I should avoid bending my arm where the IV is inserted.”
Correct Answer: B. “It is normal for my hand to be slightly swollen all day.”
Rationale:
Swelling at the IV site is not normal and may indicate infiltration or phlebitis.
Prompt reporting is necessary to prevent complications.
Question 4 (Multiple Choice - Single Response)
A nurse is administering IV potassium chloride (KCl) to a patient with
hypokalemia. Which nursing action is correct?
A. Dilute KCl in IV fluid and infuse slowly
B. Administer KCl as an IV push for rapid correction
C. Infuse KCl without monitoring the heart rate
D. Mix KCl with heparin to prevent clotting
Correct Answer: A. Dilute KCl in IV fluid and infuse slowly
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Rationale:
Potassium is never given IV push due to risk of cardiac arrest. It must be
diluted and infused slowly, with continuous cardiac monitoring during
administration.
Question 5 (Multiple Choice - Single Response)
A patient receiving IV therapy develops redness, warmth, and tenderness at the
site. Which complication is most likely?
A. Phlebitis
B. Infiltration
C. Air embolism
D. Fluid overload
Correct Answer: A. Phlebitis
Rationale:
Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein, characterized by redness, warmth,
tenderness, and a palpable cord. Infiltration presents with cool and pale swelling,
while air embolism and fluid overload are systemic complications.
UPDATED NCLEX-RN IV THERAPY & MEDICATION
ADMINISTRATION QUESTIONS 2025–2026 | SAUNDERS
9TH ED CHAPTER 14 | 140 REAL A+ PRACTICE Q&A
FOR GUARANTEED PASS”
Question 1 (Multiple Choice - Single Response)
A nurse is starting an IV infusion of normal saline at 125 mL/hr. Which is the first
step before inserting the IV catheter?
A. Verify the provider’s prescription and patient identity
B. Prime the IV tubing with saline
C. Apply the tourniquet above the insertion site
D. Clean the insertion site with an antiseptic
Correct Answer: A. Verify the provider’s prescription and patient identity
Rationale:
Before any IV therapy, verification of the provider’s order and correct patient
, 2
identification is the first and most critical safety step. Priming the tubing, applying
a tourniquet, and site cleaning occur after confirming the correct order and patient.
Question 2 (Multiple Choice - Single Response)
A nurse is caring for a patient with an IV infusing D5NS. The site appears swollen,
cool, and pale. Which action is priority?
A. Stop the IV infusion immediately
B. Apply a warm compress to the site
C. Elevate the affected extremity
D. Notify the healthcare provider
Correct Answer: A. Stop the IV infusion immediately
Rationale:
A swollen, cool, and pale IV site indicates infiltration. The infusion must be
stopped immediately to prevent further tissue damage before applying compresses
or notifying the provider.
Question 3 (Multiple Choice - Single Response)
Which patient statement indicates the need for further teaching about IV therapy?
, 3
A. “I should call the nurse if the IV site feels painful.”
B. “It is normal for my hand to be slightly swollen all day.”
C. “If I notice fluid leaking, I should call the nurse.”
D. “I should avoid bending my arm where the IV is inserted.”
Correct Answer: B. “It is normal for my hand to be slightly swollen all day.”
Rationale:
Swelling at the IV site is not normal and may indicate infiltration or phlebitis.
Prompt reporting is necessary to prevent complications.
Question 4 (Multiple Choice - Single Response)
A nurse is administering IV potassium chloride (KCl) to a patient with
hypokalemia. Which nursing action is correct?
A. Dilute KCl in IV fluid and infuse slowly
B. Administer KCl as an IV push for rapid correction
C. Infuse KCl without monitoring the heart rate
D. Mix KCl with heparin to prevent clotting
Correct Answer: A. Dilute KCl in IV fluid and infuse slowly
, 4
Rationale:
Potassium is never given IV push due to risk of cardiac arrest. It must be
diluted and infused slowly, with continuous cardiac monitoring during
administration.
Question 5 (Multiple Choice - Single Response)
A patient receiving IV therapy develops redness, warmth, and tenderness at the
site. Which complication is most likely?
A. Phlebitis
B. Infiltration
C. Air embolism
D. Fluid overload
Correct Answer: A. Phlebitis
Rationale:
Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein, characterized by redness, warmth,
tenderness, and a palpable cord. Infiltration presents with cool and pale swelling,
while air embolism and fluid overload are systemic complications.
