Intravenous and Vascular Access Exam 2025 – Complete Practice Test

Assessing proper placement of an IV catheter is primarily done by checking for blood return in the catheter. This is a critical step because it confirms that the catheter is in a vein and allows for blood flow, which is essential for effective intravenous therapy. When a catheter is correctly positioned, you can aspirate and see a flash of blood in the tubing, indicating venous access.

This method is reliable as it directly indicates that the tip of the catheter is located in the vascular system rather than in surrounding tissues or in a misplaced position. A lack of blood return can suggest complications such as phlebitis, catheter misplacement, or that the vein has collapsed.

While securing the catheter with a dressing is important for maintaining its position and preventing contamination, it does not confirm that the catheter has been placed correctly within a vein. Similarly, measuring the length of the catheter does not provide information about its placement. Noting the color of the catheter can be relevant for identification or compatibility but does not indicate whether the catheter is properly placed within the vascular system.