Central Venous Catheter (CVC) Nursing Care — Worksheet Questions

A nurse is assessing a newly placed right internal jugular CVC. Which finding requires IMMEDIATE intervention?

• Transparent dressing fully intact

• A small amount of old drainage under dressing

• Patient reports "fullness" in the neck

• IV fluids infusing at prescribed rate

A nurse preparing to access a CVC should perform which action FIRST?

• Clamp the line

• Scrub the hub for 10–15 seconds

• Flush with saline

• Change the cap

A patient with a CVC develops fever and chills during a medication infusion. What is the PRIORITY action?

• Stop the infusion

• Remove the CVC immediately

• Administer acetaminophen

• Flush the line with saline

Which action by the nurse BEST prevents CLABSI?

• Changing the tubing daily

• Applying clean gloves during dressing change

• Keeping dressings open to air to monitor the site

• Using sterile technique during dressing changes

Which finding indicates a possible CVC infection?

• Cool skin around site

• Pain and redness at insertion site

• Soft, blanching tissue under dressing

• BP 138/84

The nurse is preparing to flush a CVC. Which syringe size is safest?

• 3 mL

• 5 mL

• 10 mL

• 12 mL

A nurse meets resistance when flushing a CVC. What is the PRIORITY action?

• Forcefully flush the line

• Stop flushing immediately

• Pull back on the syringe

• Remove the line

A patient with a CVC reports sudden shortness of breath and chest pain. What should the nurse suspect?

• Fluid overload

• Air embolism

• Hematoma

• Infection

During CVC removal, the patient becomes lightheaded and anxious. The nurse should FIRST:

• Increase IV fluids

• Ask the patient to take a deep breath

• Stop removal and assess for complications

• Place a warm compress

During a CVC dressing change, which step is correct?

• Remove dressing without stabilizing catheter

• Apply CHG and allow to air dry completely

• Apply ointment to insertion site

• Use clean gloves only