VA-BC Certification Actual Exam Study
Questions with 100% Correct Answers |
Brand New Version
1. What does VA-BC stand for? - ANSWER Vascular Access - Board
Certified
2. What is the primary goal of vascular access? - ANSWER Provide safe,
reliable venous access while preserving vein health
3. What is the preferred vein for PICC insertion? - ANSWER Basilic vein
4. Why is the basilic vein preferred for PICCs? - ANSWER Larger diameter,
fewer valves, straighter path to SVC
5. What are the signs of catheter-related thrombosis? - ANSWER Swelling,
pain, warmth, erythema
6. What is the most common mechanical PICC complication? - ANSWER
Occlusion
7. What is the primary cause of catheter occlusion? - ANSWER Thrombotic
buildup or medication precipitate
8. What is the best prevention for occlusion? - ANSWER Proper flushing and
locking technique
,9. What is the correct flush technique? - ANSWER Pulsatile (push-pause)
10.What is the flush solution for most central lines? - ANSWER 0.9% normal
saline
11.When is heparin locking used? - ANSWER Specific devices (e.g., ports),
per policy
12.What is the definition of extravasation? - ANSWER Leakage of vesicant
into surrounding tissue
13.What is the first action if extravasation is suspected? - ANSWER Stop
infusion immediately
14.What increases infiltration risk? - ANSWER Poor vein selection,
movement, fragile veins
15.What is vein preservation? - ANSWER Using the smallest device for the
shortest duration
16.What is the preferred site for PIV insertion? - ANSWER Forearm
17.What sites should be avoided for routine PIVs? - ANSWER Antecubital
fossa, wrist (unless necessary)
18.What is the definition of dwell time? - ANSWER Length of time a catheter
remains in place
,19.What is the most accurate way to assess vein size? - ANSWER Ultrasound
measurement
20.How often are INS standards updated? - ANSWER Every 5 years
21.What is CRBSI? - ANSWER Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection
(confirmed source)
22.What is the difference between CLABSI and CRBSI? - ANSWER CLABSI
is surveillance-based; CRBSI is diagnostic
23.What is catheter migration? - ANSWER Movement of catheter tip from
original position
24.What is the second-choice vein for PICC insertion? - ANSWER Brachial
vein
25.What is the least preferred upper-arm vein for PICCs? - ANSWER Cephalic
vein
26.What is the ideal catheter-to-vein ratio? - ANSWER ≤45% (never exceed
50%)
27.What is the definition of CLABSI? - ANSWER Central Line-Associated
Bloodstream Infection
28.What is the best method to reduce CLABSI risk? - ANSWER Strict aseptic
technique and proper maintenance
, 29.What is the skin antiseptic of choice before insertion? - ANSWER
Chlorhexidine with alcohol
30.What is the minimum CHG scrub time? - ANSWER 30 seconds (allow to
dry completely)
31.What do maximum barrier precautions include? - ANSWER Cap, mask,
sterile gown, sterile gloves, full body drape
32.What is the preferred ultrasound view for vein access? - ANSWER Short-
axis (out-of-plane)
33.What is the benefit of long-axis ultrasound? - ANSWER Visualizes entire
needle path
34.What is the definition of a midline catheter? - ANSWER Peripheral catheter
with tip ending in upper arm veins
35.What is the typical dwell time for midlines? - ANSWER Up to 29 days (per
INS)
36.Are midlines considered central lines? - ANSWER No
37.Can vesicants be infused through midlines? - ANSWER No
38.What is the ideal dwell time for PIVs? - ANSWER Clinically indicated (no
routine replacement)
Questions with 100% Correct Answers |
Brand New Version
1. What does VA-BC stand for? - ANSWER Vascular Access - Board
Certified
2. What is the primary goal of vascular access? - ANSWER Provide safe,
reliable venous access while preserving vein health
3. What is the preferred vein for PICC insertion? - ANSWER Basilic vein
4. Why is the basilic vein preferred for PICCs? - ANSWER Larger diameter,
fewer valves, straighter path to SVC
5. What are the signs of catheter-related thrombosis? - ANSWER Swelling,
pain, warmth, erythema
6. What is the most common mechanical PICC complication? - ANSWER
Occlusion
7. What is the primary cause of catheter occlusion? - ANSWER Thrombotic
buildup or medication precipitate
8. What is the best prevention for occlusion? - ANSWER Proper flushing and
locking technique
,9. What is the correct flush technique? - ANSWER Pulsatile (push-pause)
10.What is the flush solution for most central lines? - ANSWER 0.9% normal
saline
11.When is heparin locking used? - ANSWER Specific devices (e.g., ports),
per policy
12.What is the definition of extravasation? - ANSWER Leakage of vesicant
into surrounding tissue
13.What is the first action if extravasation is suspected? - ANSWER Stop
infusion immediately
14.What increases infiltration risk? - ANSWER Poor vein selection,
movement, fragile veins
15.What is vein preservation? - ANSWER Using the smallest device for the
shortest duration
16.What is the preferred site for PIV insertion? - ANSWER Forearm
17.What sites should be avoided for routine PIVs? - ANSWER Antecubital
fossa, wrist (unless necessary)
18.What is the definition of dwell time? - ANSWER Length of time a catheter
remains in place
,19.What is the most accurate way to assess vein size? - ANSWER Ultrasound
measurement
20.How often are INS standards updated? - ANSWER Every 5 years
21.What is CRBSI? - ANSWER Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection
(confirmed source)
22.What is the difference between CLABSI and CRBSI? - ANSWER CLABSI
is surveillance-based; CRBSI is diagnostic
23.What is catheter migration? - ANSWER Movement of catheter tip from
original position
24.What is the second-choice vein for PICC insertion? - ANSWER Brachial
vein
25.What is the least preferred upper-arm vein for PICCs? - ANSWER Cephalic
vein
26.What is the ideal catheter-to-vein ratio? - ANSWER ≤45% (never exceed
50%)
27.What is the definition of CLABSI? - ANSWER Central Line-Associated
Bloodstream Infection
28.What is the best method to reduce CLABSI risk? - ANSWER Strict aseptic
technique and proper maintenance
, 29.What is the skin antiseptic of choice before insertion? - ANSWER
Chlorhexidine with alcohol
30.What is the minimum CHG scrub time? - ANSWER 30 seconds (allow to
dry completely)
31.What do maximum barrier precautions include? - ANSWER Cap, mask,
sterile gown, sterile gloves, full body drape
32.What is the preferred ultrasound view for vein access? - ANSWER Short-
axis (out-of-plane)
33.What is the benefit of long-axis ultrasound? - ANSWER Visualizes entire
needle path
34.What is the definition of a midline catheter? - ANSWER Peripheral catheter
with tip ending in upper arm veins
35.What is the typical dwell time for midlines? - ANSWER Up to 29 days (per
INS)
36.Are midlines considered central lines? - ANSWER No
37.Can vesicants be infused through midlines? - ANSWER No
38.What is the ideal dwell time for PIVs? - ANSWER Clinically indicated (no
routine replacement)
