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.
Read the first 7 Catheter Types flashcards as text
Which catheter type is MOST appropriate for a neonate requiring long-term total parenteral nutrition?
Answer: Tunneled silicone CVC (e.g., Broviac)
Tunneled silicone CVCs such as the Broviac are preferred for neonates requiring long-term TPN due to their small size, flexibility, and reduced infection risk.
The Hickman catheter and Broviac catheter are both tunneled CVCs. What is the primary difference between them?
Answer: Hickman catheters have a larger internal lumen diameter than Broviac catheters
The Hickman catheter has a larger lumen diameter than the Broviac, making it suitable for adults requiring high-volume infusions, while the Broviac's smaller lumen is used in pediatric patients.
A patient with a peripherally inserted central catheter develops a pinch-off sign on chest X-ray. This finding indicates:
Answer: The catheter is compressed between the clavicle and first rib
Pinch-off sign on X-ray indicates compression of the PICC between the clavicle and first rib, which can lead to catheter fracture and embolism if not repositioned.
Which of the following best describes the purpose of the 'cuff' on a tunneled hemodialysis catheter?
Answer: It promotes fibrous tissue ingrowth that anchors the catheter and provides an infection barrier
The Dacron cuff on a tunneled catheter promotes fibroblast ingrowth that mechanically anchors the device and creates a biological barrier to ascending microorganisms.
When selecting catheter lumen number for a critically ill ICU patient, the guiding principle should be:
Answer: Use the minimum number of lumens clinically necessary to reduce infection risk
Each additional lumen increases infection risk; INS and CDC guidelines recommend using the minimum number of lumens necessary for the patient's clinical needs.
A patient's non-coring (Huber) needle is used to access which device?
Answer: Implanted venous port
Huber needles are specifically designed to access implanted venous ports without coring the silicone septum, preserving its integrity for repeated use.
Which catheter characteristic is most associated with reduced rates of catheter-related thrombosis?
Answer: Polyurethane construction with a tip positioned in high-flow central venous blood
Polyurethane catheters with tips in high-flow central veins (SVC/cavoatrial junction) reduce thrombosis risk by ensuring rapid dilution of infusates in brisk blood flow.