ATI Simulation: Skills Modules 3.0
Module: Central venous access devices
Central Venous Access Devices Pre Test & Post Test
A patient who sustained trauma from a motor vehicle crash is transported to an emergency
department. The provider determines the need for immediate central venous access for fluid and
blood replacement and prophylactic antibiotic therapy. The appropriate central venous access
device for this patient is:
a. Peripherally inserted central catheter PICC)
b. Tunneled central venous catheter
c. Implanted port
d. Non-tunneled percutaneous central catheter
Answer: d. Non-tunneled percutaneous central catheter.
A nurse is preparing to obtain a blood sample from a patient who has a triple lumen central
catheter in place for multiple therapies. Which of the following is an appropriate action for the
nurse to take?
a. Withdraw 10 mL of blood and discard it before obtaining the sample.
b. Flush the catheter with 5 mL of heparin before obtaining the sample.
c. Allow the infusion to continue running while obtaining the sample.
d. Turn off the distal infusions for 1 to 5 minutes before obtaining the blood sample.
Answer: d. Turn off the distal infusions for 1 to 5 minutes before obtaining the blood sample.
A nurse is caring for a patient who has a central venous catheter. When flushing the catheter, the
nurse uses a 10 mL syringe to prevent which of the following complications associated with
central vascular access devices?
a. Phlebitis
b. Air embolism
c. Infection
d. Catheter rupture
Answer: d. Catheter rupture.
A nurse is caring for a patient who has a central venous catheter and suddenly develops dyspnea,
tachycardia, and dizziness. The nurse suspects an air embolism and clamps the catheter
immediately. The nurse should reposition the patient in which of the following positions?
a. On his right side in Trendelenburg position
b. On his left side in Trendelenburg position
c. On his right side in semi-Fowler's position
d. On his left side in semi-Fowler's position
Answer: b. On his left side in Trendelenburg position.
An older adult patient who adheres to a regular cardiovascular rehabilitation schedule that
includes water aerobics and swimming requires long-term central venous access. Which of the
following central venous access devices is the best choice for allowing him to continue his
aquatic program?
a. Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)
b. Non-tunneled central venous catheter
c. Tunneled central venous catheter
d. Implanted port
Answer: d. Implanted port
A nurse is preparing to flush a patient's peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). Because the
patient's catheter has a valved tip, the nurse:
a. Applies a firm pressure to the syringe plunger while flushing
b. Flushes briskly with heparinized saline solution
c. Aspirates for a blood return before flushing
d. Uses non-heparinized saline solution for the flush
Answer: d. Uses non-heparinized saline solution for the flush.
A nurse is caring for a patient who has a central venous access device in place. Which of the
following routine measures should the nurse use specifically to prevent lumen occlusion?
a. Applying a skin protectant to the insertion site
b. Flushing with normal saline before and after medication administration
c. Clamping the extension tubing while removing a syringe from the injection cap
d. Changing the dressing every 72 hours
Answer: c. Clamping the extension tubing while removing a syringe from the injection cap.
A nurse is caring for a patient who has gastric cancer and is initiating an infusion of parenteral
nutrition via the patient's implanted port. Which of the following is an appropriate action for the
nurse to take?
a. Flush the port with 5 mL of heparin 10 units/mL
b. Access the port using a non-coring needle
c. Use clean technique when accessing the port
d. Cover the device and the needle with a sterile transparent dressing
Answer: d. Cover the device and the needle with a sterile transparent dressing.
