IV IV Infection Control & Sterile Technique 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How often should administration sets used for continuous infusions of non-lipid solutions be changed according to CDC guidelines?
- Every 24 hours
- Every 48 hours
- No more frequently than every 96 hours unless clinically indicated (Correct answer)
- Every 7 days
Correct answer: No more frequently than every 96 hours unless clinically indicated
CDC guidelines recommend changing continuous IV administration sets no more frequently than every 96 hours to reduce infection risk and waste, unless clinically indicated.
Question 2: What is the recommended hand hygiene technique before inserting a peripheral IV catheter?
- Alcohol-based hand rub for 10 seconds
- Soap and water wash for 15 seconds only if hands are visibly soiled
- Alcohol-based hand rub OR soap and water wash per WHO guidelines before any vascular access procedure (Correct answer)
- Gloves alone are sufficient if hands are not visibly soiled
Correct answer: Alcohol-based hand rub OR soap and water wash per WHO guidelines before any vascular access procedure
WHO and INS guidelines require either alcohol-based hand rub or soap-and-water hand washing before any vascular access procedure, regardless of glove use.
Question 3: Which antiseptic is recommended for skin preparation before peripheral IV insertion?
- Povidone-iodine only
- Isopropyl alcohol 70% alone
- >0.5% chlorhexidine gluconate in alcohol (preferred) or 70% isopropyl alcohol (Correct answer)
- Benzalkonium chloride solution
Correct answer: >0.5% chlorhexidine gluconate in alcohol (preferred) or 70% isopropyl alcohol
CDC and INS guidelines recommend >0.5% chlorhexidine gluconate in alcohol as the preferred skin antiseptic for vascular access site preparation.
Question 4: After applying chlorhexidine for skin antisepsis prior to IV insertion, what must the nurse do before proceeding?
- Wipe off excess with sterile gauze
- Allow the area to air-dry completely (Correct answer)
- Rinse with sterile water
- Blot dry with a sterile towel
Correct answer: Allow the area to air-dry completely
Chlorhexidine must be allowed to air-dry completely before catheter insertion to achieve full antimicrobial efficacy and prevent skin irritation.
Question 5: What is the recommended dressing change interval for a transparent semipermeable membrane (TSM) dressing on a peripheral IV site?
- Every 24 hours
- Every 48 hours
- Every 5–7 days or when soiled, loose, or damp (Correct answer)
- Only when the IV is discontinued
Correct answer: Every 5–7 days or when soiled, loose, or damp
TSM dressings on peripheral IV sites should be changed every 5–7 days or sooner if they become soiled, loose, or moisture accumulates underneath.
Question 6: Which practice best describes the 'scrub the hub' technique for needleless connectors?
- Wiping once with an alcohol pad without friction
- Vigorously scrubbing the connector with 70% alcohol or chlorhexidine for 5–15 seconds and allowing to dry (Correct answer)
- Applying a povidone-iodine swab and immediately connecting
- Flushing the connector with saline before access
Correct answer: Vigorously scrubbing the connector with 70% alcohol or chlorhexidine for 5–15 seconds and allowing to dry
Scrub the hub requires vigorous mechanical friction with 70% alcohol or chlorhexidine for 5–15 seconds followed by air-drying to disinfect the connector before each access.
IV IV Infection Control & Sterile Technique 1
How often should administration sets used for continuous infusions of non-lipid solutions be changed according to CDC guidelines?