VABC Ultrasound Guidance 2

Question 1

Which ultrasound view is preferred when initially confirming guidewire position in the vessel before dilation?

Accepted Answer

Long-axis (longitudinal) view

Answer

The long-axis view allows visualization of the guidewire along its entire length within the vessel, confirming intraluminal placement before dilation.

Question 2

What artifact appears as a bright echogenic line with posterior acoustic shadowing when the ultrasound beam strikes a needle at 90 degrees?

Accepted Answer

Specular reflection

Answer

Specular reflection occurs when the ultrasound beam strikes a smooth surface (such as a needle) perpendicularly, producing a bright echogenic interface with acoustic shadowing.

Question 3

During ultrasound-guided PICC insertion, the basilic vein is preferred over the cephalic vein primarily because:

Accepted Answer

It has a larger diameter and fewer valves

Answer

The basilic vein is typically larger in diameter and has fewer valves than the cephalic vein, reducing resistance during catheter advancement.

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of applying color Doppler during ultrasound-guided vascular access?

Accepted Answer

To differentiate artery from vein

Answer

Color Doppler detects blood flow direction and pulsatility, reliably distinguishing arterial (pulsatile) from venous (continuous or respiratory-phasic) flow.

Question 5

When using the short-axis approach for internal jugular vein cannulation, inadvertent arterial puncture is most commonly detected by:

Accepted Answer

Bright red, pulsatile blood flashback in the syringe

Answer

Pulsatile bright red blood return in the syringe is the classic indicator of unintentional arterial puncture during internal jugular cannulation.

(VABC) Vascular Access Board Certification Practice Test

(VABC) Vascular Access Board Certification Practice Test

VABC Ultrasound Guidance 2