Practice Test Geeks(VA-BC) Vascular Access Nurse Certification Practice Test
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Infection Prevention & Complication Management 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. A patient with a PICC line develops erythema, warmth, and induration at the insertion site without fever. What is the MOST appropriate initial action?

    Answer: Obtain blood cultures and assess for systemic infection

    Local site signs may indicate early CLABSI; blood cultures from the line and a peripheral site are needed to guide management before removal.

  2. Which microorganism is MOST commonly responsible for catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) in patients with central venous access devices?

    Answer: Coagulase-negative Staphylococci

    Coagulase-negative Staphylococci, particularly S. epidermidis, are the most frequent cause of CRBSIs due to biofilm formation on catheter surfaces.

  3. What is the recommended dwell time for chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) solution before accessing a needleless connector?

    Answer: 15 seconds

    INS standards recommend scrubbing needleless connectors with CHG/alcohol for 5–15 seconds and allowing to dry for at least 15 seconds to ensure adequate disinfection.

  4. A patient's central line dressing becomes visibly soiled 2 days after placement. When should the dressing be changed?

    Answer: Immediately

    Soiled, wet, or loosened dressings must be changed immediately to prevent bacterial migration along the catheter tract.

  5. Which of the following is a risk factor SPECIFIC to tunneled catheters for developing exit-site infections?

    Answer: Disruption of the fibrous cuff integrity

    The fibrous cuff of a tunneled catheter acts as a barrier to microbial migration; cuff disruption eliminates this protection and significantly increases exit-site infection risk.

  6. A nurse is preparing to access an implanted port. Which antiseptic and technique is recommended for skin preparation?

    Answer: Chlorhexidine gluconate ≥0.5% in alcohol applied with friction and allowed to dry completely

    CHG ≥0.5% in alcohol with friction application and complete drying is the preferred skin antiseptic for vascular access site preparation per INS and CDC guidelines.

  7. Which intervention has demonstrated the GREATEST reduction in CLABSI rates in ICU settings?

    Answer: Implementation of a central line insertion bundle

    Evidence consistently shows that central line insertion bundles (hand hygiene, maximal barrier precautions, CHG skin prep, optimal site selection, and daily review) produce the greatest CLABSI reductions.