Infection Prevention & Complication Management 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 Infection Prevention & Complication Management flashcards as text
A PICC nurse is selecting insertion site for a patient requiring long-term IV access. Which vein is preferred to minimize infection risk while maintaining patient comfort?
Answer: Basilic vein
The basilic vein is the preferred site for PICC insertion as it is the largest antecubital vein, has the straightest path to central circulation, and is associated with fewer complications.
Which type of PICC dressing change schedule is recommended for a CHG-impregnated sponge dressing?
Answer: Every 7 days or when soiled/loose
CHG-impregnated sponge dressings should be changed every 7 days or sooner if the dressing becomes soiled, loosened, or compromised.
A patient with a PICC suddenly develops dyspnea, chest pain, and a drop in oxygen saturation during an infusion. The most immediate concern should be which complication?
Answer: Air embolism
Sudden dyspnea, chest pain, and desaturation during IV infusion are classic signs of air embolism, a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate intervention.
When an air embolism is suspected in a patient with a PICC, which positioning intervention is immediately indicated?
Answer: Left lateral decubitus (Durant's maneuver) with Trendelenburg
Durant's maneuver — left lateral decubitus with Trendelenburg positioning — traps air in the right ventricle apex, preventing pulmonary artery obstruction.
Which bundle element is NOT part of the standardized CLABSI prevention bundle for PICC lines?
Answer: Routine prophylactic antibiotic administration prior to insertion
Routine prophylactic antibiotics before PICC insertion are not recommended and are not part of the CLABSI bundle; such practice promotes antimicrobial resistance.
A patient receiving chemotherapy via PICC reports sudden pain and swelling in the ipsilateral arm. Doppler ultrasound confirms deep vein thrombosis. Which is the standard initial management for PICC-associated DVT in non-high-bleeding-risk patients?
Answer: Anticoagulation therapy with the PICC retained if functional and still needed
Current guidelines recommend anticoagulation while retaining the PICC if it remains functional and is still clinically required, removing it only if no longer needed or nonfunctional.
Which patient factor most significantly increases the risk of PICC-associated CLABSI in critically ill patients?
Answer: Total parenteral nutrition administration
Total parenteral nutrition is a major independent risk factor for CLABSI because its high glucose and lipid content creates an ideal medium for microbial growth within the catheter.