VABC Catheter Types 3

Question 1

What is the primary advantage of a power-injectable PICC over a standard PICC?

Accepted Answer

It is rated to withstand high-pressure contrast injection for CT scans

Answer

Power-injectable PICCs are constructed to tolerate high flow rates and pressures used during CT contrast injection, eliminating the need for a separate peripheral IV for imaging.

Question 2

An umbilical arterial catheter (UAC) tip should ideally be positioned at which vertebral level?

Accepted Answer

T6-T9 (high position) or L3-L4 (low position)

Answer

UAC placement uses either a high position (T6-T9, above the celiac axis) or a low position (L3-L4, below the renal arteries) to avoid major vessel origins.

Question 3

Which catheter type is characterized by an open-ended tip that requires routine heparin flushing to maintain patency?

Accepted Answer

Standard non-valved CVC or PICC

Answer

Standard non-valved CVCs and PICCs have open-ended tips that allow blood to reflux into the lumen, requiring heparin flushes to prevent clot formation.

Question 4

A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) tip should be confirmed at which anatomical location before use?

Accepted Answer

Cavoatrial junction or distal superior vena cava

Answer

PICC tips must be confirmed at the cavoatrial junction or distal SVC by chest X-ray or other imaging to ensure central placement before use.

Question 5

Which catheter is most commonly used for long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in a home care setting?

Accepted Answer

Tunneled cuffed catheter (e.g., Hickman)

Answer

Tunneled cuffed catheters like the Hickman are preferred for home TPN because the Dacron cuff anchors the catheter and reduces infection risk over months to years.

(VABC) Vascular Access Board Certification Practice Test

(VABC) Vascular Access Board Certification Practice Test

VABC Catheter Types 3