VA-BC Patient & Caregiver Education 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which teaching method best confirms that a caregiver understands how to flush a central line at home?
- Asking the caregiver if they have any questions
- Having the caregiver demonstrate the flush procedure while the nurse observes (Correct answer)
- Giving the caregiver a printed handout to read
- Showing the caregiver a video of the procedure
Correct answer: Having the caregiver demonstrate the flush procedure while the nurse observes
Return demonstration lets the nurse directly verify psychomotor skill and correct technique before discharge.
Question 2: A patient going home with a PICC asks how often the transparent semipermeable membrane (TSM) dressing should be changed if it stays intact. What is the correct response?
- Every 24 hours
- Every 48 hours
- At least every 7 days (Correct answer)
- Every 14 days
Correct answer: At least every 7 days
Per INS standards, TSM dressings are changed at least every 7 days or sooner if damp, loosened, or soiled.
Question 3: When teaching a patient with low health literacy about central line care, which approach is MOST appropriate?
- Use detailed medical terminology so the patient learns correct terms
- Provide all information in one long session before discharge
- Use plain language, limit content to key points, and use teach-back (Correct answer)
- Rely on written materials at a college reading level
Correct answer: Use plain language, limit content to key points, and use teach-back
Plain language, chunking of essential content, and teach-back improve comprehension for patients with limited health literacy.
Question 4: A patient with a tunneled central venous catheter should be taught that which activity must be avoided?
- Walking for exercise
- Swimming or submerging the catheter site in water (Correct answer)
- Showering with the dressing covered by a waterproof barrier
- Light household chores
Correct answer: Swimming or submerging the catheter site in water
Submerging the catheter in pools, hot tubs, or baths increases infection risk and is generally discouraged.
Question 5: Which instruction should a caregiver receive about scrubbing the needleless connector before accessing a central line?
- Wipe it once quickly with a dry gauze
- Scrub with an alcohol or chlorhexidine-alcohol pad using friction for the recommended time and allow it to dry (Correct answer)
- Spray with water and air dry
- Only clean it if visibly dirty
Correct answer: Scrub with an alcohol or chlorhexidine-alcohol pad using friction for the recommended time and allow it to dry
Vigorous friction disinfection of the hub followed by drying time reduces intraluminal contamination.
Question 6: Which sign should a patient with a central line be taught to report IMMEDIATELY?
- Mild itching under the dressing
- Fever with chills, especially during or after a flush or infusion (Correct answer)
- Slight bruising at the insertion site on day one
- The external catheter length remaining unchanged
Correct answer: Fever with chills, especially during or after a flush or infusion
Fever and rigors around the time of line use suggest catheter-related bloodstream infection and need urgent evaluation.
Question 7: Before discharge teaching begins, which assessment is the nurse's FIRST priority?
- Assessing the learner's readiness, preferred learning style, and barriers to learning (Correct answer)
- Selecting the brand of supplies to send home
- Scheduling the first home health visit
- Reviewing the insurance coverage for supplies
Correct answer: Assessing the learner's readiness, preferred learning style, and barriers to learning
Effective teaching starts with a learning needs assessment, including readiness, literacy, language, and physical or cognitive barriers.
