Section 1: Basics of PICC Line
1. What does PICC stand for?
a) Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation Catheter
b) Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter
c) Peripheral Infusion Controlled Catheter
d) Peripheral Internal Central Catheter
Answer: b
2. Where is the tip of a correctly placed PICC line located?
a) Right atrium
b) Superior vena cava
c) Inferior vena cava
d) Subclavian vein
Answer: b
3. What is the primary function of a PICC line?
a) Blood pressure monitoring
b) Short-term medication delivery
c) Long-term IV therapy
d) Administering oxygen
Answer: c
4. Which vein is commonly used for PICC line insertion?
a) Basilic vein
b) Femoral vein
c) Radial vein
d) Jugular vein
Answer: a
5. How long can a PICC line typically stay in place?
a) Less than 1 week
b) 1-2 months
c) Several weeks to months
d) Indefinitely
Answer: c
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Section 2: Insertion Techniques
6. What imaging technique is most commonly used during PICC line placement?
a) MRI
b) Ultrasound
c) CT scan
d) X-ray
Answer: b
7. What is the standard method for confirming PICC line tip placement?
a) MRI
b) Chest X-ray
c) Fluoroscopy
d) CT scan
Answer: b
8. Which of the following is a contraindication for PICC line insertion?
a) Peripheral vein thrombosis
b) Severe dehydration
c) History of allergy to contrast media
d) Use of anticoagulants
Answer: a
9. What is the optimal position of the arm during PICC line insertion?
a) Flexed at 90 degrees
b) Extended and slightly abducted
c) Raised above the head
d) Kept at rest by the side
Answer: b
10. What sterile precaution is most critical during PICC insertion?
a) Wearing gloves
b) Skin antisepsis
c) Wearing a surgical gown
d) All of the above
Answer: d
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Section 3: Maintenance and Care
11. How often should the PICC line dressing be changed?
a) Daily
b) Every 3 days
c) Every 7 days
d) Every 14 days
Answer: c
12. What type of flush is commonly used for maintaining PICC line patency?
a) Normal saline
b) Sterile water
c) Heparinized saline
d) Both a and c
Answer: d
13. Why is routine flushing of a PICC line important?
a) To prevent infections
b) To maintain catheter patency
c) To ensure medication delivery
d) To check for leaks
Answer: b
14. What is the best practice if blood return is absent during a flush?
a) Apply more pressure
b) Stop and notify a healthcare provider
c) Replace the line immediately
d) Continue with another syringe
Answer: b
15. What should be used for cleaning the catheter hub before accessing?
a) Normal saline
b) Alcohol pad
c) Chlorhexidine or alcohol solution
d) Soap and water
Answer: c
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Section 4: Complications
16. What is a common complication of PICC lines?
a) Pneumothorax
b) Thrombosis
c) Liver failure
d) Hypotension
Answer: b
17. What is the sign of a catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI)?
a) Swelling of the arm
b) Fever and chills
c) Persistent cough
d) Low blood pressure
Answer: b
18. What is the first step if a PICC line becomes dislodged?
a) Push it back into place
b) Clamp the line and notify a provider
c) Flush with saline immediately
d) Remove the catheter completely
Answer: b
19. Which symptom might indicate a thrombus at the PICC site?
a) Headache
b) Edema in the arm
c) Rash at the insertion site
d) Decreased urine output
Answer: b
20. What is the most likely cause of catheter occlusion?
a) Bacterial contamination
b) Blood clot or fibrin sheath
c) Mechanical kink
d) Dehydration
Answer: b
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Section 5: Special Considerations
21. What population is most commonly treated with PICC lines?
a) Pediatric patients
b) Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy
c) Patients with diabetes
d) Elderly patients with arthritis
Answer: b
22. Can a patient shower with a PICC line?
a) Yes, without restrictions
b) No, not at all
c) Yes, with waterproof dressing
d) Yes, if the insertion site is exposed
Answer: c
23. What type of medications are commonly delivered through PICC lines?
a) Chemotherapy
b) Antibiotics
c) Total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
d) All of the above
Answer: d
24. When removing a PICC line, what precaution should be taken?
a) Use sterile gloves
b) Check for catheter integrity
c) Apply pressure after removal
d) All of the above
Answer: d
25. What position is ideal for a patient during PICC line removal?
a) Sitting upright
b) Lying flat
c) Side-lying
d) Standing
Answer: b
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