PICC Equipment & Device Selection 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 PICC Equipment & Device Selection flashcards as text
Per INS standards, what is the preferred method for PICC external securement?
Answer: Engineered stabilization device (ESD)
INS guidelines recommend engineered stabilization devices (ESDs) as first choice because they reduce migration, dislodgement, and infection risk compared to sutures or tape.
How often should a transparent semipermeable membrane (TSM) dressing on a PICC site be routinely changed?
Answer: Every 5–7 days or when soiled, loose, or no longer intact
TSM dressings should be changed every 5–7 days or immediately if compromised, per CDC and INS guidelines, to maintain site integrity and reduce infection.
A chlorhexidine-impregnated dressing is MOST indicated for which PICC patient?
Answer: A patient at elevated CRBSI risk when standard bundle measures have not sufficiently reduced infection rates
Chlorhexidine-impregnated dressings are recommended as an additional intervention for high-risk patients when basic CRBSI prevention bundles alone have not achieved adequate infection control.
What is the primary mechanical purpose of an external PICC securement device?
Answer: Prevent catheter migration and accidental dislodgement
Securement devices anchor the catheter to minimize migration and accidental pull-out, which can cause malposition, extravasation, or dislodgement.
Which type of needleless connector was associated with higher CRBSI rates due to complex internal fluid pathways and is no longer recommended?
Answer: Original negative displacement mechanical valve connector
Original negative displacement mechanical valve connectors created internal dead space that harbored organisms, leading to higher CRBSI rates and subsequent replacement with improved designs.
An alcohol-impregnated antiseptic hub cap (passive disinfection cap) on a PICC needleless connector primarily functions to:
Answer: Passively disinfect the connector between accesses without additional scrubbing
Passive disinfection caps continuously deliver antiseptic to the connector surface between accesses, reducing microbial contamination without replacing active hand hygiene or scrub technique.
What is the minimum recommended saline flush volume for a PICC after each use per INS guidelines?
Answer: 10 mL
A minimum of 10 mL of normal saline is recommended to flush PICCs after each use to clear the long lumen of blood and medication residue.