200+ Free CRNI Practice Questions

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Question 1

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According to the Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice, what is the maximum recommended dwell time for a peripheral IV catheter in an adult patient without complications?

48 hours

72 hours

96 hours

Until clinically indicated

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CRNI Exam

140

Exam Questions

INCC

~61%

Pass Rate

INCC 2023

2.5 hrs

Exam Duration

INCC

$395

Exam Fee

INCC

40%

Principles of Practice

Largest domain

3 years

Certification Validity

INCC

The CRNI exam has 140 questions in 2.5 hours with a pass rate of approximately 61%. The three content domains are: Principles of Practice (40%), Access Devices (35%), and Infusion Therapies (25%). Requires current RN license and 1,600 hours of infusion therapy experience within the past 2 years. Certification valid for 3 years with ongoing practice requirements. Exam fee is $395.

Sample CRNI Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CRNI exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 200+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1According to the Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice, what is the maximum recommended dwell time for a peripheral IV catheter in an adult patient without complications?

A.48 hours

B.72 hours

C.96 hours

D.Until clinically indicated

Explanation: The INS Standards of Practice recommend that peripheral IV catheters remain in place until clinically indicated for removal, rather than being replaced on a predetermined schedule. This is based on evidence that routine replacement does not reduce infection rates and may actually increase patient discomfort and costs.

2A nurse is preparing to insert a peripheral IV catheter. Which action demonstrates proper aseptic technique?

A.Using clean technique with gloves only

B.Using sterile gloves, mask, and skin antisepsis with >0.5% chlorhexidine in alcohol

C.Wearing clean gloves and performing a 15-second alcohol swab

D.No special preparation needed for peripheral IVs

Explanation: The INS Standards require aseptic technique for all vascular access device insertions. This includes hand hygiene, wearing sterile gloves, and using appropriate skin antisepsis. For adults, >0.5% chlorhexidine in alcohol is preferred due to its rapid action and residual antimicrobial activity.

3What is the primary purpose of performing a vessel health and preservation (VHP) assessment prior to vascular access device selection?

A.To meet documentation requirements

B.To identify the least expensive option

C.To select the appropriate device based on patient needs, vessel condition, and prescribed therapy

D.To determine insurance coverage

Explanation: Vessel Health and Preservation is a systematic approach that begins with assessment of the patient's medical history, vessel condition, and therapy requirements. This guides selection of the most appropriate vascular access device to minimize complications and preserve vessels for future access needs.

4A patient receiving home infusion therapy reports fever of 101.2°F and chills. The nurse suspects a central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). What is the priority nursing action?

A.Call the physician and continue the infusion

B.Stop the infusion immediately, assess the patient, obtain blood cultures, and notify the provider

C.Change the dressing and document the findings

D.Increase the infusion rate to flush the line

Explanation: Signs of systemic infection in a patient with a central line require immediate intervention. The nurse should stop the infusion, assess the patient's hemodynamic status, obtain paired blood cultures (one from the line and one peripherally), and notify the provider immediately. CLABSIs are serious complications that require prompt treatment.

5Which of the following is an example of a passive safety-engineered sharp device?

A.A needle with a push-button activated shield

B.A needle with a spring-loaded mechanism that covers the needle after withdrawal

C.A blunted-tip needle used for accessing vials

D.A standard hypodermic needle with a separate safety cap

Explanation: Passive safety devices require no action by the user to activate the safety feature. A spring-loaded mechanism that automatically covers the needle after withdrawal is passive, whereas push-button shields require user activation and are considered active safety devices.

6During a PICC insertion using modified Seldinger technique, resistance is met when attempting to advance the guidewire. What is the most appropriate action?

A.Force the wire gently to overcome the resistance

B.Remove the wire and attempt advancement with the introducer needle in a different position

C.Apply more pressure on the insertion site

D.Flush the area with sterile saline

Explanation: Never force a guidewire when resistance is encountered, as this can cause vessel perforation or wire breakage. The appropriate action is to remove the wire, reassess the needle position, and attempt advancement again. If resistance persists, the procedure should be reassessed or abandoned.

7Which antiseptic solution is recommended for skin preparation prior to peripheral IV insertion in a 2-month-old infant?

A.>0.5% chlorhexidine in alcohol

B.70% isopropyl alcohol

C.Povidone-iodine followed by alcohol

D.Hydrogen peroxide

Explanation: For infants under 2 months of age, chlorhexidine is contraindicated due to risk of skin irritation and systemic absorption. The recommended antiseptic is povidone-iodine followed by alcohol, or alcohol alone. The solution should be allowed to dry completely before catheter insertion.

8A patient is receiving continuous heparin infusion through a peripheral IV. Which finding requires immediate nursing intervention?

A.Infusion rate of 1 mL/hour

B.Blood return present in the extension tubing

C.Pain, erythema, and swelling at the insertion site

D.Transparent dressing intact

Explanation: Pain, erythema, and swelling at a peripheral IV site indicate infiltration or phlebitis. With vesicant medications like heparin, this requires immediate discontinuation of the infusion, removal of the catheter, and appropriate nursing interventions to prevent tissue damage.

9What is the recommended frequency for changing transparent semipermeable membrane (TSM) dressings on a central venous catheter?

A.Every 24 hours

B.Every 48 hours

C.Every 5-7 days or sooner if integrity is compromised

D.Only when the dressing becomes visibly soiled

Explanation: The INS Standards recommend changing TSM dressings on central lines every 5-7 days, or sooner if the dressing is damp, loosened, or visibly soiled. More frequent changes increase infection risk and should be avoided unless clinically indicated.

10Informed consent for vascular access device insertion includes which essential elements?

A.Only the patient's signature on the consent form

B.Explanation of the procedure, risks, benefits, alternatives, and opportunity for questions

C.A verbal agreement between nurse and patient

D.Consent obtained only from family members

Explanation: Informed consent requires the healthcare provider to explain the procedure, potential risks and benefits, alternative options, and give the patient opportunity to ask questions. This must be documented, and the patient (or legal guardian) must have decision-making capacity and provide consent voluntarily.

About the CRNI Exam

The CRNI exam validates specialized knowledge and skills in infusion therapy for registered nurses. It covers three core domains: Principles of Practice (40%) including infection prevention, patient assessment, standards of practice, and legal/ethical issues; Access Devices (35%) including peripheral IVs, central venous catheters, PICCs, tunneled catheters, implanted ports, and complications management; and Infusion Therapies (25%) including pharmacology, fluid/electrolyte therapy, blood transfusion, parenteral nutrition, chemotherapy, and pain management.

Questions

140 scored questions

Time Limit

2.5 hours

Passing Score

Angoff method (scaled score)

Exam Fee

$395 (INCC (Infusion Nurses Certification Corporation))

CRNI Exam Content Outline

40%

Principles of Practice

Standards of practice, infection prevention, patient assessment, patient education, quality improvement, legal/ethical issues, and research evidence

35%

Access Devices

Peripheral IVs, PICCs, central venous catheters, tunneled catheters, implanted ports, device selection, insertion techniques, site care, and complications management

25%

Infusion Therapies

Pharmacology, fluid/electrolyte therapy, blood transfusion, parenteral nutrition, chemotherapy, pain management, and special populations

How to Pass the CRNI Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Angoff method (scaled score)
Exam length: 140 questions
Time limit: 2.5 hours
Exam fee: $395

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CRNI Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master the INS Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice — this is the foundation of the exam

2Study infection prevention (40%) — aseptic technique, CLABSI prevention, and hand hygiene

3Know vascular access devices — selection criteria, insertion techniques, and maintenance protocols

4Understand complications — infiltration, extravasation, phlebitis, thrombosis, and air embolism

5Review pharmacology — compatibility, stability, vesicants, and high-alert medications

6Learn special populations — pediatric, geriatric, and home infusion considerations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CRNI certification?

CRNI (Certified Registered Nurse Infusion) is the only nationally recognized certification for infusion nursing, awarded by the Infusion Nurses Certification Corporation (INCC). It validates expertise in infusion therapy including vascular access devices, infusion medications, and patient care.

How many questions are on the CRNI exam?

The CRNI exam has 140 multiple-choice questions with a 2.5-hour time limit. The passing score is determined using the Angoff method. Questions are distributed across three domains: Principles of Practice (40%), Access Devices (35%), and Infusion Therapies (25%).

What are the prerequisites for the CRNI exam?

You need a current unrestricted RN license and at least 1,600 hours of infusion therapy experience within the past 2 years. Experience must include direct patient care involving infusion therapy in settings such as hospitals, home care, ambulatory infusion centers, or long-term care.

What is the pass rate for the CRNI exam?

The overall pass rate for the CRNI exam is approximately 61% (2023 data), with first-time test takers having higher pass rates than repeat candidates. Proper preparation with practice questions and study materials significantly improves pass rates.

How should I prepare for the CRNI exam?

Plan for 150-200 hours of study. Focus on the INS Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice. Master infection prevention and aseptic technique. Study vascular access device selection, insertion, and maintenance. Know pharmacology and compatibility. Understand complications recognition and management. Complete 200+ practice questions with detailed explanations.