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.
Read the first 7 Infection Prevention & Complication Management flashcards as text
A patient reports pain, swelling, and a palpable cord along the arm where a peripheral IV was inserted 3 days ago. This presentation is MOST consistent with:
Answer: Superficial thrombophlebitis
Pain, edema, erythema, and a palpable cord along the vein tract are classic signs of superficial thrombophlebitis associated with peripheral IV catheters.
Which of the following BEST describes the Phlebitis Scale score of 3?
Answer: Pain with erythema, streak formation, and palpable cord ≤1 inch
A phlebitis scale score of 3 includes pain, erythema, streak formation, and a palpable cord up to 1 inch in length, indicating moderate-to-severe phlebitis.
When using antimicrobial-impregnated catheters, which situation MOST justifies their use according to CDC guidelines?
Answer: ICU patients in facilities with CLABSI rates above the institutional goal despite bundle compliance
CDC guidelines support antimicrobial-impregnated catheters for adult patients in units where CLABSI rates remain elevated despite adherence to standard prevention bundles.
A nurse suspects air embolism in a patient with a central venous catheter. What is the PRIORITY nursing intervention?
Answer: Clamp the catheter and place patient in Trendelenburg position on the left side
Clamping the catheter stops air entry; left lateral Trendelenburg (Durant's maneuver) traps air in the right ventricle apex, preventing pulmonary outflow obstruction.
Which of the following is the MOST appropriate management for a catheter-associated thrombosis confirmed by ultrasound in a patient who still requires venous access?
Answer: Continue using the catheter and initiate anticoagulation therapy
Current guidelines support anticoagulation with catheter preservation when the device is still needed and functioning, provided there are no contraindications to anticoagulation.
A patient receiving parenteral nutrition through a PICC develops a fever of 38.5°C with chills. Blood cultures are ordered. What is the CORRECT sampling method for diagnosing CRBSI?
Answer: One culture drawn through the line and one peripheral culture from a separate site
Paired blood cultures—one drawn through the catheter and one from a peripheral vein—allow differential time-to-positivity analysis to diagnose CRBSI.
Which of the following dressing types is PREFERRED for central venous catheter insertion sites in adult patients without skin sensitivity?
Answer: Transparent semipermeable membrane (TSM) dressing changed every 7 days
TSM dressings allow continuous site visualization without disruption and are recommended for routine use with a change interval of up to 7 days or immediately when soiled or loosened.