Practice Test Geeks(VA-BC) Vascular Access Nurse Certification Practice Test
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Catheter Types Flashcards

7 cards from real VA-BC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. Which catheter is MOST appropriate for a patient needing intravenous antibiotics for 3 weeks at home?

    Answer: Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)

    A PICC is appropriate for intermediate-term (1–6 weeks) outpatient IV antibiotic therapy, combining central access with suitability for home care.

  2. The French (Fr) scale used to measure catheter size refers to:

    Answer: The outer circumference divided by π, approximating outer diameter in mm

    The French scale equals the outer circumference in millimeters divided by π, so 1 Fr ≈ 0.33 mm outer diameter.

  3. A patient's implanted port has not been accessed in 4 weeks. Per INS standards, the port should be flushed with:

    Answer: Heparinized saline (10–100 units/mL) every 4 weeks when not in use

    INS standards recommend flushing implanted ports every 4 weeks when not in use with heparinized saline to maintain patency.

  4. Which insertion site for a non-tunneled CVC carries the HIGHEST risk of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI)?

    Answer: Femoral vein

    The femoral site has the highest CRBSI risk due to proximity to perineal flora and difficulty maintaining a sterile dressing.

  5. What is the clinical significance of a 'reverse taper' design in PICC catheters?

    Answer: The catheter narrows at the tip to reduce vessel trauma on insertion

    A reverse taper PICC narrows at the insertion tip (smaller outer diameter) to minimize vessel trauma while maintaining a larger body for adequate flow.

  6. Which catheter feature helps differentiate a double-lumen from a single-lumen CVC during bedside assessment?

    Answer: Double-lumen CVCs have two separate hubs with distinct colored clamps

    Double-lumen CVCs have two separate hubs, typically color-coded (e.g., red and blue or proximal/distal labels) with individual clamps for each lumen.

  7. A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) inserted via the basilic vein should have its tip confirmed to lie at the:

    Answer: Cavoatrial junction or lower third of the superior vena cava

    PICC tip placement at the cavoatrial junction or lower third of the SVC is recommended by INS to ensure central placement and reduce thrombosis and arrhythmia risk.