NRSG 113: SUBCUT INJ, PICC/TICC/PORT EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH ACCURATE ANSWERS
What is a central venous access device? - ANSWER An intravenous device inserted
into the central venous circulation.
Where are the majority of CVADs inserted? - ANSWER In the upper body, either
directly or indirectly so that the catheter tip sits in the superior vena cava.
Where does the catheter tip sit if the femoral vein is accessed? - ANSWER In the
inferior vena cava.
What are the indications for CVADs? - ANSWER Allow for multiple or rapid infusions,
permit painless blood sampling, better suited for prolonged infusions or therapies,
appropriate for irritant drugs, indicated for vesicant drugs, can be used to monitor
central venous pressure (CVP).
What are the four main types of CVADs? - ANSWER Central venous catheters (CVC) or
non-tunnelled catheters, tunnelled intravascular catheters (TIC), peripherally inserted
central catheters (PICC), implanted ports.
How is a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) inserted? - ANSWER Peripherally
via cephalic or basilic arm vein, usually above the antecubital fossa.
Where does the tip of a PICC sit? - ANSWER In the superior vena cava.
What are the characteristics of a PICC? - ANSWER Single or multi-lumen, long term
use.
What are power injectable PICCs? - ANSWER PICCs with a lumen marked 'power
injectable' that can withstand high pressure and permit injection of contrast dye or blood
transfusion.
What are non-tunnelled catheters? - ANSWER Central venous catheters that are not
tunnelled.
What are tunnelled intravascular catheters (TIC)? - ANSWER Catheters that are
tunneled under the skin before entering the vein.
, What are implanted ports? - ANSWER CVADs that are implanted under the skin and
accessed using a needle.
What is a nursing care plan for a patient with a CVAD? - ANSWER Includes
assessment of the CVAD site and line, accessing and flushing CVADs, sterile dressing
and cap changes, applying and removing commercially designed CVAD securement
devices, removal of subclavian and intrajugular central venous catheters and PICCs.
What are some best practice standards for CVADs? - ANSWER Includes analyzing
complications, troubleshooting problems, and demonstrating skills related to CVADs.
What are some complications of CVADs? - ANSWER Infection, thrombosis, occlusion,
dislodgement, catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI).
What are some troubleshooting techniques for CVADs? - ANSWER Checking for kinks
or clots, ensuring proper flushing and dressing changes, assessing for signs of infection
or occlusion.
What is the purpose of accessing and flushing CVADs? - ANSWER To maintain
patency and prevent occlusion.
What is the purpose of sterile dressing and cap changes for CVADs? - ANSWER To
prevent infection and maintain a sterile environment.
What are commercially designed CVAD securement devices? - ANSWER Devices used
to secure CVADs in place and prevent accidental dislodgement.
What is a passive valve system? - ANSWER A system that does not require clamps.
What are some uses of a passive valve system? - ANSWER Blood draws, blood
products, IV infusions/IV meds, central venous catheter (non-tunnelled).
Where is a passive valve system directly inserted? - ANSWER Subclavian or internal
jugular vein.
Where does the tip of a passive valve system sit? - ANSWER Superior vena cava.
What is the incidence of central line associated blood stream infection (CLABSI) with a
passive valve system? - ANSWER Highest incidence.
How long is a passive valve system typically used for? - ANSWER Short term use.
How is the placement of a passive valve system confirmed? - ANSWER By x-ray prior
to use.
QUESTIONS WITH ACCURATE ANSWERS
What is a central venous access device? - ANSWER An intravenous device inserted
into the central venous circulation.
Where are the majority of CVADs inserted? - ANSWER In the upper body, either
directly or indirectly so that the catheter tip sits in the superior vena cava.
Where does the catheter tip sit if the femoral vein is accessed? - ANSWER In the
inferior vena cava.
What are the indications for CVADs? - ANSWER Allow for multiple or rapid infusions,
permit painless blood sampling, better suited for prolonged infusions or therapies,
appropriate for irritant drugs, indicated for vesicant drugs, can be used to monitor
central venous pressure (CVP).
What are the four main types of CVADs? - ANSWER Central venous catheters (CVC) or
non-tunnelled catheters, tunnelled intravascular catheters (TIC), peripherally inserted
central catheters (PICC), implanted ports.
How is a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) inserted? - ANSWER Peripherally
via cephalic or basilic arm vein, usually above the antecubital fossa.
Where does the tip of a PICC sit? - ANSWER In the superior vena cava.
What are the characteristics of a PICC? - ANSWER Single or multi-lumen, long term
use.
What are power injectable PICCs? - ANSWER PICCs with a lumen marked 'power
injectable' that can withstand high pressure and permit injection of contrast dye or blood
transfusion.
What are non-tunnelled catheters? - ANSWER Central venous catheters that are not
tunnelled.
What are tunnelled intravascular catheters (TIC)? - ANSWER Catheters that are
tunneled under the skin before entering the vein.
, What are implanted ports? - ANSWER CVADs that are implanted under the skin and
accessed using a needle.
What is a nursing care plan for a patient with a CVAD? - ANSWER Includes
assessment of the CVAD site and line, accessing and flushing CVADs, sterile dressing
and cap changes, applying and removing commercially designed CVAD securement
devices, removal of subclavian and intrajugular central venous catheters and PICCs.
What are some best practice standards for CVADs? - ANSWER Includes analyzing
complications, troubleshooting problems, and demonstrating skills related to CVADs.
What are some complications of CVADs? - ANSWER Infection, thrombosis, occlusion,
dislodgement, catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI).
What are some troubleshooting techniques for CVADs? - ANSWER Checking for kinks
or clots, ensuring proper flushing and dressing changes, assessing for signs of infection
or occlusion.
What is the purpose of accessing and flushing CVADs? - ANSWER To maintain
patency and prevent occlusion.
What is the purpose of sterile dressing and cap changes for CVADs? - ANSWER To
prevent infection and maintain a sterile environment.
What are commercially designed CVAD securement devices? - ANSWER Devices used
to secure CVADs in place and prevent accidental dislodgement.
What is a passive valve system? - ANSWER A system that does not require clamps.
What are some uses of a passive valve system? - ANSWER Blood draws, blood
products, IV infusions/IV meds, central venous catheter (non-tunnelled).
Where is a passive valve system directly inserted? - ANSWER Subclavian or internal
jugular vein.
Where does the tip of a passive valve system sit? - ANSWER Superior vena cava.
What is the incidence of central line associated blood stream infection (CLABSI) with a
passive valve system? - ANSWER Highest incidence.
How long is a passive valve system typically used for? - ANSWER Short term use.
How is the placement of a passive valve system confirmed? - ANSWER By x-ray prior
to use.
