VABC Catheter Types 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended dwell time limit for a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIV) in an adult patient without signs of complications?
- 24 hours
- 48 hours
- 72-96 hours or clinically indicated replacement (Correct answer)
- 7 days
Correct answer: 72-96 hours or clinically indicated replacement
Current INS and CDC guidelines support replacing PIVs at 72-96 hours in adults or based on clinical indication rather than routine scheduled replacement.
Question 2: Which catheter type is specifically designed to monitor central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) continuously?
- Standard triple-lumen CVC
- Oximetry CVC with fiberoptic technology (Correct answer)
- Pulmonary artery catheter only
- Midline catheter
Correct answer: Oximetry CVC with fiberoptic technology
Oximetry CVCs incorporate fiberoptic technology to continuously measure ScvO2, providing real-time data on oxygen delivery and consumption balance.
Question 3: A dialysis catheter placed in the femoral vein carries a higher infection risk than a jugular or subclavian site primarily because of which factor?
- Greater catheter length required
- Proximity to the groin with higher bacterial colonization and reduced patient mobility (Correct answer)
- Harder to flush at this location
- Femoral veins have lower flow rates
Correct answer: Proximity to the groin with higher bacterial colonization and reduced patient mobility
The femoral site has higher skin bacterial colonization, limited ability to apply dressings effectively, and reduced patient mobility, all contributing to higher CLABSI risk.
Question 4: Which feature distinguishes a pressure-activated safety valve (PASV) catheter from a standard open-ended catheter?
- It is made of silicone rather than polyurethane
- Its valve opens only above a threshold pressure differential, preventing passive blood reflux (Correct answer)
- It requires no flushing at all
- It can only be used for blood draws
Correct answer: Its valve opens only above a threshold pressure differential, preventing passive blood reflux
PASV catheters have a valve that opens only when infusion or aspiration pressure exceeds a set threshold, passively preventing blood reflux at rest without a clamp.
Question 5: In pediatric patients, which catheter provides central venous access via an extremity vein when neck or chest placement poses unacceptable risks?
- Umbilical venous catheter
- PICC line (Correct answer)
- Femoral non-tunneled CVC
- Hickman catheter
Correct answer: PICC line
PICC lines are frequently used in pediatric patients to achieve central venous access through peripheral extremity veins, avoiding the higher-risk neck or chest insertion sites.
Question 6: What is the maximum recommended dwell time for a non-tunneled, non-cuffed central venous catheter before considering replacement or conversion to a tunneled device?
- 3 days
- 7 days
- 14 days (Correct answer)
- 30 days
Correct answer: 14 days
Non-tunneled CVCs are generally recommended for short-term use up to approximately 14 days; beyond this, conversion to a tunneled or implanted device is preferred to reduce infection risk.
Question 7: Which catheter design feature helps anchor a tunneled catheter subcutaneously and reduces the risk of accidental dislodgement and ascending infection?
- Antimicrobial tip coating
- Dacron polyester cuff (Correct answer)
- Staggered exit ports
- Thermoplastic body material
Correct answer: Dacron polyester cuff
The Dacron cuff on tunneled catheters promotes fibrous tissue ingrowth that mechanically anchors the catheter and creates a barrier against microorganism migration along the tunnel.
VABC Catheter Types 5
What is the recommended dwell time limit for a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIV) in an adult patient without signs of complications?