Anatomy & Vascular Access Evaluation Flashcards
7 cards from real PICC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Anatomy & Vascular Access Evaluation flashcards as text
Which vein is considered the FIRST-LINE choice for PICC insertion due to its size and straight course?
Answer: Basilic vein
The basilic vein is preferred because it is the largest superficial vein of the upper arm and follows a relatively straight path toward the subclavian vein.
The cephalic vein is less preferred for PICC placement primarily because of which anatomical feature?
Answer: It makes a sharp turn at the deltopectoral groove before joining the axillary vein
The cephalic vein takes a sharp angulation at the cephalic arch (deltopectoral groove) before joining the axillary vein, which can impede catheter advancement.
In which anatomical position does the tip of a properly placed PICC reside?
Answer: Superior vena cava at the cavoatrial junction
Optimal PICC tip position is at the cavoatrial junction or lower third of the superior vena cava, where blood flow is high enough to dilute infusates.
When assessing a patient's arm veins using ultrasound, which characteristic confirms the vessel is a vein rather than an artery?
Answer: Thin walls that collapse easily with gentle probe pressure
Veins have thin, compliant walls and collapse readily under gentle ultrasound probe compression, distinguishing them from arteries.
The axillary vein becomes the subclavian vein at which anatomical landmark?
Answer: The lateral border of the first rib
The axillary vein transitions into the subclavian vein at the lateral border of the first rib.
Which patient population most commonly requires assessment of alternative veins (e.g., femoral) for central venous access because upper-extremity PICC is contraindicated?
Answer: Patients with ipsilateral breast cancer treated with axillary lymph node dissection
Axillary lymph node dissection disrupts lymphatic drainage and increases the risk of lymphedema, making ipsilateral PICC placement contraindicated.
During pre-insertion vascular assessment, which finding would most likely cause the PICC nurse to abandon the basilic vein and select an alternative site?
Answer: Non-compressible vein with absence of flow on Doppler
A non-compressible vein with absent Doppler flow indicates thrombosis, making that vessel unsuitable for PICC placement.