Maintenance & Troubleshooting of Vascular Access Devices Flashcards
7 cards from real VABC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
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Which flushing solution is recommended by INS guidelines for maintaining patency in most central venous access devices (CVADs) in adults?
Answer: Normal saline (0.9% NaCl)
INS guidelines recommend normal saline (0.9% NaCl) as the primary flush solution for most CVADs in adults, as it is effective and avoids heparin-related complications.
When performing the push-pause flushing technique, what is the primary goal of creating turbulent flow?
Answer: Remove debris and prevent biofilm formation
The push-pause technique creates turbulent flow that dislodges debris and prevents biofilm accumulation on catheter walls.
A patient's PICC line has sluggish flow but blood return is still present. Which type of occlusion is MOST likely?
Answer: Partial thrombotic occlusion
Partial thrombotic occlusion presents with sluggish flow and preserved blood return because the thrombus has not completely blocked the lumen.
The SASH protocol for flushing and locking a PICC line stands for which sequence?
Answer: Saline, Administer medication, Saline, Heparin
SASH stands for Saline flush, Administer medication, Saline flush, Heparin lock — used when a heparin lock is indicated.
Which action should be taken FIRST when a catheter occlusion is suspected?
Answer: Assess for external mechanical causes such as kinking or a closed clamp
Before using pharmacologic interventions, clinicians must rule out mechanical causes — such as a closed clamp, kinked tubing, or catheter malposition — as these are simple and immediately correctable.
A needleless connector with negative pressure displacement is associated with which complication if disconnected before clamping?
Answer: Blood reflux into the catheter lumen
Negative-displacement connectors draw fluid back into the catheter upon disconnection, causing blood reflux that can lead to intraluminal clot formation.
According to best practice, how often should needleless connectors on CVADs be changed?
Answer: Every 96 hours or per manufacturer recommendation, or when soiled/compromised
INS standards recommend changing needleless connectors no more frequently than every 96 hours, or per manufacturer guidelines, or when visibly soiled, damaged, or removed.