VABC Infection Prevention 4

Question 1

Which needleless connector design has been associated with the highest risk of intraluminal contamination and CLABSI?

Accepted Answer

Positive displacement connectors with complex internal pathways

Answer

Positive displacement connectors with complex internal fluid pathways have been associated with increased CLABSI rates due to areas where blood can accumulate and support bacterial growth.

Question 2

How should needleless connector caps be disinfected before each access?

Accepted Answer

Scrub with 70% isopropyl alcohol or CHG/alcohol for 5–15 seconds and allow to dry

Answer

Scrubbing the needleless connector with an appropriate antiseptic for at least 5–15 seconds followed by air drying reduces hub contamination and CRBSI risk.

Question 3

A vascular access nurse is inserting a PICC in a patient with a known allergy to chlorhexidine. Which alternative skin antiseptic should be used?

Accepted Answer

Povidone-iodine 10% allowed to dry completely

Answer

Povidone-iodine is the recommended alternative skin antiseptic for patients with chlorhexidine allergy, provided adequate contact time and drying are observed.

Question 4

What does the acronym CLABSI stand for in the context of infection surveillance?

Accepted Answer

Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection

Answer

CLABSI stands for Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection, a specific surveillance definition used by the CDC/NHSN to track and report infections attributable to central venous access.

Question 5

Which patient population is at HIGHEST risk for developing a catheter-related fungal bloodstream infection?

Accepted Answer

Immunocompromised patients on broad-spectrum antibiotics receiving total parenteral nutrition

Answer

Immunocompromised patients receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics and TPN are at highest risk for Candida CRBSI due to disrupted normal flora, impaired immunity, and a high-nutrient intraluminal environment.

(VABC) Vascular Access Board Certification Practice Test

(VABC) Vascular Access Board Certification Practice Test

VABC Infection Prevention 4