IV Therapy and Central Line
Management Practice Exam Questions
and Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
with Rationales 2025
1. What is the primary purpose of using a central venous catheter
(CVC)?
To administer large volumes of fluid or irritating medications
Central lines are ideal for long-term therapy or
medications that could damage peripheral veins.
2. Which vein is commonly used for peripherally inserted central
catheters (PICC)?
Basilic vein
The basilic vein is large, relatively superficial, and has a
straight path to the superior vena cava.
3. A key indicator for central line-associated bloodstream infection
(CLABSI) is:
Positive blood cultures with no other identifiable source of infection
CLABSI is diagnosed when a bloodstream infection occurs
and the central line is the most probable source.
,4. The "scrub the hub" technique should last for at least:
15 seconds
Friction and time are critical to removing microorganisms
from catheter hubs.
5. When changing a central line dressing, the nurse must wear:
Sterile gloves
Sterile technique is essential to prevent introducing
pathogens into the bloodstream.
6. What is the preferred antiseptic solution for cleaning central line
insertion sites?
Chlorhexidine gluconate
Chlorhexidine is preferred due to its broad antimicrobial
spectrum and residual effect.
7. Before accessing a central line, which action is most important?
Perform hand hygiene
Hand hygiene is the first and most critical step to
preventing infection.
8. Which type of central line has the lowest risk of infection?
Implanted port
Ports are fully enclosed under the skin, reducing exposure
to bacteria.
9. The most accurate method to confirm central line placement is:
Chest X-ray
, Chest X-rays verify catheter tip location and rule out
complications like pneumothorax.
10. When flushing a central line, what technique is recommended?
Pulsatile (push-pause) method
The push-pause technique reduces biofilm and prevents
clot formation.
11. What is the minimal syringe size used to flush a central line?
10 mL
Smaller syringes create higher pressure that could rupture
the catheter.
12. Which of the following is an indication for a tunneled
catheter?
Long-term chemotherapy
Tunneled catheters are placed for long-term access such as
cancer treatment.
13. How often should transparent central line dressings be
changed (if intact)?
Every 7 days
Guidelines recommend changing transparent dressings
weekly unless soiled or loose.
14. When aspirating for blood return from a central line, absence
of blood return may indicate:
Catheter occlusion
Management Practice Exam Questions
and Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
with Rationales 2025
1. What is the primary purpose of using a central venous catheter
(CVC)?
To administer large volumes of fluid or irritating medications
Central lines are ideal for long-term therapy or
medications that could damage peripheral veins.
2. Which vein is commonly used for peripherally inserted central
catheters (PICC)?
Basilic vein
The basilic vein is large, relatively superficial, and has a
straight path to the superior vena cava.
3. A key indicator for central line-associated bloodstream infection
(CLABSI) is:
Positive blood cultures with no other identifiable source of infection
CLABSI is diagnosed when a bloodstream infection occurs
and the central line is the most probable source.
,4. The "scrub the hub" technique should last for at least:
15 seconds
Friction and time are critical to removing microorganisms
from catheter hubs.
5. When changing a central line dressing, the nurse must wear:
Sterile gloves
Sterile technique is essential to prevent introducing
pathogens into the bloodstream.
6. What is the preferred antiseptic solution for cleaning central line
insertion sites?
Chlorhexidine gluconate
Chlorhexidine is preferred due to its broad antimicrobial
spectrum and residual effect.
7. Before accessing a central line, which action is most important?
Perform hand hygiene
Hand hygiene is the first and most critical step to
preventing infection.
8. Which type of central line has the lowest risk of infection?
Implanted port
Ports are fully enclosed under the skin, reducing exposure
to bacteria.
9. The most accurate method to confirm central line placement is:
Chest X-ray
, Chest X-rays verify catheter tip location and rule out
complications like pneumothorax.
10. When flushing a central line, what technique is recommended?
Pulsatile (push-pause) method
The push-pause technique reduces biofilm and prevents
clot formation.
11. What is the minimal syringe size used to flush a central line?
10 mL
Smaller syringes create higher pressure that could rupture
the catheter.
12. Which of the following is an indication for a tunneled
catheter?
Long-term chemotherapy
Tunneled catheters are placed for long-term access such as
cancer treatment.
13. How often should transparent central line dressings be
changed (if intact)?
Every 7 days
Guidelines recommend changing transparent dressings
weekly unless soiled or loose.
14. When aspirating for blood return from a central line, absence
of blood return may indicate:
Catheter occlusion
