VABC Vascular Access Devices & Technologies 3

Question 1

A midline catheter is appropriately placed when its tip terminates in which anatomical location?

Accepted Answer

Basilic or cephalic vein between the antecubital fossa and the axilla

Answer

Midline catheters are defined by tip placement in the peripheral venous system, typically in the upper arm veins, not reaching central circulation.

Question 2

Which type of implanted port requires a non-coring (Huber) needle because:

Accepted Answer

Standard needles core out the silicone septum, causing leakage over time

Answer

Huber needles have an angled bevel that deflects through the septum without removing a core of silicone, preserving septum integrity for thousands of punctures.

Question 3

Which dressing type is recommended by the INS as the standard for securing a PICC insertion site?

Accepted Answer

Sterile transparent semipermeable membrane (TSM) dressing

Answer

INS standards recommend a sterile TSM dressing because it allows visual inspection of the site while maintaining a sterile barrier; it is changed every 5-7 days or when soiled.

Question 4

An umbilical venous catheter (UVC) tip should ideally be positioned at which location?

Accepted Answer

Junction of the inferior vena cava and right atrium

Answer

Optimal UVC tip position is at the IVC-right atrium junction to ensure central placement while avoiding cardiac arrhythmias and hepatic complications from portal/hepatic vein placement.

Question 5

Which characteristic distinguishes a tunneled CVC from a non-tunneled CVC?

Accepted Answer

The catheter travels subcutaneously from the exit site to the venous entry site

Answer

Tunneled catheters (e.g., Hickman, Broviac) have a subcutaneous tunnel that reduces infection risk and provides stability, making them appropriate for long-term use.

(VABC) Vascular Access Board Certification Practice Test

(VABC) Vascular Access Board Certification Practice Test

VABC Vascular Access Devices & Technologies 3