CATHETER (CVC) SKILLS VALIDATION
EXAM 2025 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
A: Dressing change step 1 - ANS Place a pad under catheter limbs applies appropriate PPE to
self staff and care partner
A: Dressing change step 2 - ANS Inspects in removes the old dressing observes dressing and
exit site for visible soiling, exudate, blood or signs or symptoms of infection
A: Dressing change step 3 - ANS Notifies nurse or physician if signs or symptoms of infection,
change in position of catheter, visible soiling with exudate or blood are present
A: Dressing change step 4 - ANS Discard stressing and removes gloves. Performs hand
hygiene and opens dressing supplies. Leaves and package until ready for use
B: Cleaning the site step 1 - ANS Performs hand hygiene and dons clean gloves. Removes
swab stick from package by stick without touching foam applicator. Handles only to stick
portion
B: Cleaning the site step 2 - ANS Starting at the CVC exit site and working outward to the
periphery using gentle friction and back-and-forth motion to clean for 30 seconds
B: Cleaning the site step 3 - ANS If unable to use CHG due to skin sensitivity, uses another
approved disinfectant
Copyright ©2025 BRIGHTSTARS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
, B: Cleaning the site step 4 - ANS If ordered, applies perscribed antibiotic ointment to exit site
C: Applying the dressing step 1 - ANS Using a aseptic technique, applies the catheter dressing
over DRY exit site
C: Applying the dressing step 2 - ANS Removes backing of adhesive dressing or applies tape
to edges of gauze dressing
C: Applying the dressing step 3 - ANS Discards gloves and performs hand hygiene.
Documents dressing change and findings
D: Initiation of treatment/preparing catheter Part 1 - ANS Dons clean gloves and ensures
catheter clamps are closed. (HT staff place sterile gauze under catheter lumens)
D: Initiation of treatment/preparing catheter step 2 - ANS Removes cap from arterial limb.
Uses an alcohol pad to scrub the exposed catheter threads with friction and moves from
threads up lumen towards body of catheter For 10 to 15 seconds. Discards alcohol pad. Allows
alcohol to dry. Attaches 10 ml sterile syringe to catheter lumen. Repeats for Venus limb.
D: Initiation of treatment/preparing catheter step 3 - ANS Unclamps arterial limb, removes
anticoagulant by aspirating 5 ml, reclamps catheter lumen. Repeat with venous limb. Collects
pre-treatment blood work if ordered
D: Initiation of treatment/ preparing catheter step 4 - ANS Aseptically removes syringe from
arterial limb, immediately attaches 10 ml saline filled syringe, opens clamp and gently flushes
limb, reclamps catheter lumen. Repeats with venous limb
D: Initiation of treatment/ preparing catheter step 5 - ANS Administers pre-treatment
heparin if ordered by physician via the venous catheter limb. Leaves syringe attached and waits
3 to 5 minutes for systematic circulation
Copyright ©2025 BRIGHTSTARS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2