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.

Read the first 7 Infection Prevention & Complication Management flashcards as text

  1. According to INS standards, how frequently should administration sets used for continuous non-lipid infusions be routinely changed?

    Answer: Every 96 hours or longer unless clinically indicated

    INS and CDC guidelines recommend changing continuous non-lipid, non-blood administration sets no more frequently than every 96 hours (and up to 7 days) to reduce infection risk and cost.

  2. A vascular access nurse is reviewing a patient's central line for daily necessity. Which of the following is the PRIMARY criterion for determining if the line should be removed?

    Answer: The patient no longer has a clinical indication for central venous access

    Daily line necessity review is a core CLABSI bundle element; a line with no current clinical indication should be removed promptly to eliminate infection risk.

  3. Which of the following correctly describes catheter pinch-off syndrome?

    Answer: Compression of the catheter between the clavicle and first rib causing intermittent occlusion

    Pinch-off syndrome occurs when a subclavian catheter is compressed between the clavicle and first rib, causing intermittent or positional occlusion and risk of catheter fracture.

  4. A patient with a tunneled hemodialysis catheter is found to have CRBSI caused by S. aureus. After catheter removal, what is the MINIMUM recommended duration of systemic antibiotic therapy?

    Answer: 4–6 weeks

    S. aureus CRBSIs carry a high risk of endovascular complications (endocarditis, septic emboli) requiring 4–6 weeks of systemic antibiotics after catheter removal per IDSA guidelines.

  5. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate action when a needleless connector has visible blood residue or debris?

    Answer: Change the connector immediately before accessing the line

    Visible contamination of a needleless connector warrants immediate replacement; scrubbing alone is insufficient to eliminate debris or blood that harbors microorganisms.

  6. A patient with a PICC in the basilic vein develops unilateral arm swelling, warmth, and a positive compression ultrasound for DVT. The catheter is functioning and still required. Which statement BEST reflects current management guidelines?

    Answer: Initiate anticoagulation and reassess catheter necessity; retain if still needed and functional

    Guidelines support anticoagulation with catheter retention when the device remains clinically necessary and functional, with catheter removal if symptoms worsen or anticoagulation is contraindicated.

  7. What is the purpose of using a chlorhexidine-impregnated dressing (e.g., Biopatch) at the central line insertion site?

    Answer: To provide a sustained antimicrobial barrier that reduces microbial colonization at the exit site

    CHG-impregnated dressings release chlorhexidine continuously at the exit site, reducing skin colonization and demonstrated reduction in CLABSI rates in multiple clinical trials.