PICC Infection Prevention & Complication Management 2

Question 1

A patient with a PICC develops erythema, warmth, and tenderness along the catheter tract extending 2 cm from the insertion site. Which complication does this presentation most likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

Phlebitis

Answer

Erythema, warmth, and tenderness along the catheter tract are classic signs of phlebitis, which can be mechanical, chemical, or infectious in origin.

Question 2

When using the VIP (Visual Infusion Phlebitis) scale to assess a PICC site, a score of 2 indicates which finding?

Accepted Answer

One of the following: pain, erythema, or swelling

Answer

A VIP score of 2 indicates one early sign of phlebitis (pain, erythema, or swelling) and warrants increased monitoring.

Question 3

A PICC nurse is preparing to change a dressing over a newly inserted PICC. Which agent is the preferred antiseptic for skin antisepsis per INS standards?

Accepted Answer

Chlorhexidine gluconate ≥0.5% in alcohol

Answer

Chlorhexidine gluconate ≥0.5% in alcohol is the preferred antiseptic for central line dressing changes per INS and CDC guidelines due to its superior residual activity.

Question 4

Which finding during routine PICC assessment requires immediate line removal and culture of the catheter tip?

Accepted Answer

Purulent drainage at the insertion site with fever and hemodynamic instability

Answer

Purulent drainage with systemic signs of sepsis (fever, hemodynamic instability) is a definitive indication for PICC removal and catheter tip culture.

Question 5

A patient's PICC lumen is occluded and does not flush. Which intervention is most appropriate as the FIRST step?

Accepted Answer

Attempt to aspirate, then reposition the patient and assess catheter tip position

Answer

The first step for occlusion is to assess for position-related causes by repositioning the patient and checking for kinked tubing before instilling thrombolytics.

(PICC) Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Certified Nurse Practice Test

(PICC) Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Certified Nurse Practice Test

PICC Infection Prevention & Complication Management 2