About The Exam

what to expect on the national iv exam

The National I.V. examination is a 61-question test that prepares medical professionals who are currently working in the field by testing their knowledge in providing care to patients by preparing intravenous access through the proper placement and documentation (charting) of intravenous catheter. Additionally, our exam tests your knowledge in to providing intravenous therapies (this may be necessary for the  patient’s health under the supervision of a doctor) and taking immediate necessary steps to notify the Physician, RN, and/or the Director of the unit to ensure patient safety and  promotion of health status via:

Knowledge and identification of how to insert and monitor I.V equipment and I.V.  fluids by: 

  1. inserting a catheter into a patient’s vein by inserting the Angio Catheter and then using that catheter to administer medications or fluids and/or  nutritional solutions or establish a port of access while under the  supervision of a Doctor.

Maintain constant communication with team leader and or Nurse/Physician  regarding patient’s health status. Communicate articulately the status of the patient  to the team leader/Nurse/Physician in such a manner that is keeping with the use of  correct medical terminology and asking questions which will help promote the  patient’s health, while contributing observations both objective and subjective  regarding the patient’s fluid intake, possible allergic reactions, I.V. bag status, drip  ratio’s and other pertinent observations.

Recognize trending patterns and report changes immediately.

Using safe practices such as manipulation of a sterile or nonsterile product intended  to produce a sterile final product. Understand drip ratio, drip-rate calculations,  different catheter gauges and proper documentation of I.V. insertion and removal.

Administering I.V. fluids in a medical facility (i.e., hospital or urgent care). Read  prescription orders and be able to calculate the amount of drug needed to add to a  solution to create the dosage required by the patient for a desired effect. Must know  pharmaceutical math. Understand and apply in every situation the patient’s current  disease state and the complications that may be associated with I.V. fluid therapy.

Understand medications well enough to recognize errors or misprints. Also, be  aware of which medications would contradict each other.

Keep his or her equipment sterile so he or she does not contaminate the I.V. solution  so as to cause an infection by using both sterile and aseptic techniques.

Aseptic techniques are as follows: 

  1. Is defined as a means of preventing or minimizing the risk of introducing  harmful micro-organisms onto key parts or key sites of the body when  undertaking clinical procedures. 
  2. Sterile gloves are not always required for Aseptic Technique. Each procedure  must be risk assessed. Whether sterile or non-sterile gloves are worn  depends if you can avoid touching the sterile parts of equipment which will  come into contact with other susceptible sites or parts i.e., their  wound/cannula/catheter connection. 
  3. If the procedure is complex or the patient is particularly immuno compromised, sterile gloves must be worn. However, if you can carry out the  procedure without touching the key part with your hands, non-sterile clean  gloves may be worn. 
  4. These methods have been developed to ensure that only uncontaminated  objects/fluids make contact with key parts or key sites. 

gain your national i.v. certification today

Gaining a national certification from the National I.V. Association is a great addition to your resume that will allow you to negotiate higher salaries with your current or potential employers. Invest in your future today and register for the National I.V. Exam, or, explore our other course options to help you prepare and give you the best chance of passing the exam on the first try.