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
What is the gold standard method for confirming PICC tip placement after insertion?
Answer: Post-insertion chest X-ray
Post-insertion chest X-ray remains the gold standard for verifying correct PICC tip position at the cavoatrial junction or lower SVC.
The optimal PICC tip position in an adult patient is at:
Answer: The cavoatrial junction (CAJ) or lower third of the SVC
Tip placement at the CAJ or lower third of the SVC maximizes hemodilution of infused medications and reduces thrombosis risk while avoiding cardiac arrhythmias.
During EKG-guided PICC tip confirmation, which waveform change indicates the tip has reached the cavoatrial junction?
Answer: The P-wave increases in amplitude, then becomes biphasic as the tip enters the right atrium, signaling slight withdrawal is needed
EKG guidance relies on P-wave changes: amplitude increases as the tip nears the SVC/atrial junction and becomes biphasic upon entering the right atrium, guiding the clinician to withdraw slightly to the CAJ.
Which external measurement is used to estimate insertion length before placing a PICC?
Answer: Measured length from the intended insertion site, along the arm, across the shoulder to approximately the sternal notch or third intercostal space
The external body surface measurement (insertion site → up the arm → across the shoulder → to the sternal notch/third ICS) estimates the catheter length required to reach the CAJ.
Before using a PICC with a power injector for a contrast CT scan, the nurse must verify which of the following?
Answer: The catheter or hub is labeled 'CT Injectable' or 'Power Injectable' by the manufacturer
Only PICCs with manufacturer labeling confirming power-injectable status ('CT Injectable' or 'Power Injectable') may be used with power injectors, as unlabeled PICCs risk rupture at high pressures.
A patient requires simultaneous administration of TPN with lipids and an IV antibiotic known to be incompatible with lipid emulsions. Which PICC is MOST appropriate?
Answer: Dual-lumen 5 Fr PICC
A dual-lumen PICC allows TPN and the incompatible antibiotic to run simultaneously through separate lumens, preventing drug-nutrient interaction.
Which consideration is MOST important when selecting a PICC insertion vein in the upper arm using ultrasound?
Answer: Choosing a vein with a diameter at least three times the catheter French size to maintain a catheter-to-vein ratio ≤33%
A vein with adequate diameter to keep the catheter-to-vein ratio at or below 33% is critical for maintaining blood flow around the catheter and minimizing thrombosis risk.