VA Patient & Caregiver Education

Question 1

Which technique best confirms that a patient understands how to care for their PICC at home?

Accepted Answer

The teach-back method, where the patient explains or demonstrates the care in their own words

Answer

Teach-back checks understanding directly: the patient restates or demonstrates what they learned, which shows the clinician any gaps to clarify. A yes/no question or a signed form does not show comprehension.

Question 2

A patient going home with a PICC should be taught to report which finding right away?

Accepted Answer

Swelling of the arm, neck or face on the PICC side

Answer

Swelling of the arm, neck or face on the catheter side can mean catheter-related deep vein thrombosis or SVC obstruction. It needs prompt evaluation.

Question 3

Which instruction is appropriate for a patient who has a PICC in their arm?

Accepted Answer

Avoid blood pressure measurements and heavy lifting with the PICC arm

Answer

Taking blood pressure on the PICC arm, or lifting heavy weights with it, can damage the catheter or vein and raise the risk of thrombosis or dislodgement. Patients should cover the dressing to shower and should not submerge the site.

Question 4

Before teaching a patient to manage their own home infusion, what should the nurse assess first?

Accepted Answer

The patient's health literacy, readiness to learn and physical or cognitive ability

Answer

Assessing health literacy, readiness to learn, language needs, dexterity and cognition lets the nurse tailor the teaching and decide whether a caregiver should be included.

Question 5

What should a patient with chronic kidney disease be taught about vein preservation?

Accepted Answer

Arm veins should be protected from unnecessary venipuncture and PICCs avoided, to preserve future dialysis access

Answer

Arm veins in CKD patients may be needed for a future arteriovenous fistula. Patients should learn to speak up for vein preservation: avoid PICCs and unnecessary sticks, and ask that the nephrology team be consulted before any device placement.

(VA-BC) Vascular Access Nurse Certification Practice Test

(VA-BC) Vascular Access Nurse Certification Practice Test

VA Patient & Caregiver Education