Vascular Access Device Management Flashcards
7 cards from real CRNI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Vascular Access Device Management flashcards as text
A patient's central venous catheter dressing is noted to be damp and lifting at the edges. When should this dressing be changed?
Answer: Immediately, as a compromised dressing increases infection risk
A wet, soiled, or non-intact dressing must be changed immediately because it compromises the sterile barrier and increases CRBSI risk.
Which gauge peripheral IV catheter is most appropriate for the rapid infusion of blood products in an emergency?
Answer: 16-gauge
A 16-gauge catheter has the largest lumen among common peripheral catheters, allowing the highest flow rate needed for rapid blood product administration.
A patient reports that their arm where the PICC was inserted is now swollen and painful three days post-removal. What complication should the nurse suspect?
Answer: Post-removal deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Swelling and pain in the extremity where a PICC was removed days earlier is suspicious for DVT, a recognized complication that can persist or develop after catheter removal.
Which disinfectant solution and technique is preferred for disinfecting needleless connectors before access?
Answer: 70% isopropyl alcohol with vigorous scrubbing for 5–15 seconds and air-dry
INS and CDC guidelines recommend scrubbing needleless connectors with 70% isopropyl alcohol for 5–15 seconds and allowing to dry to reduce microbial contamination.
A nurse attempts to flush a midline catheter and meets resistance. After repositioning the patient's arm, resistance persists. What is the appropriate next action?
Answer: Stop flushing, do not force, and assess for catheter occlusion
Forcing a flush against resistance can cause catheter rupture or dislodge a clot; the catheter should be assessed for occlusion and appropriate interventions initiated.
What is the recommended frequency for changing administration sets used for continuous lipid emulsion infusions?
Answer: Every 24 hours
Administration sets used for lipid emulsions (including 3-in-1 total parenteral nutrition) must be changed every 24 hours due to the risk of microbial growth in lipid-containing solutions.
A CRNI is educating a patient about caring for their tunneled catheter at home. Which instruction is most important regarding the exit site?
Answer: Keep the exit site dry and covered with a sterile dressing unless directed otherwise
The tunneled catheter exit site must be kept dry and covered with a sterile dressing to prevent infection; antibiotic ointments are not routinely recommended and soaking is contraindicated.