Practice Question
A nurse is caring for a client who requires long-term central venous access for total parenteral nutrition due to gastrointestinal dysfunction. When comparing tunneled and non tunneled central venous access devices (CVADs), which characteristic best distinguishes the tunneled CVAD from the no tunneled CVAD in terms of insertion and maintenance?
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Correct Answer:
Tunneled CVADS are surgically implanted under the skin and have a cuff to secure the catheter, reducing infection risk, whereas nontunneled CVADs are percutaneously inserted at the bedside without a cuff and are intended for short-term use.
Rationale:
✨ Tunneled CVADs are placed surgically under the skin, creating a subcutaneous tunnel that lowers infection risk.
✨ They contain a Dacron cuff that promotes tissue ingrowth, increasing stability and reducing bacterial entry.
✨ Tunneled lines are designed for long-term therapy, such as TPN or chemotherapy.
✨ Nontunneled CVADs are inserted percutaneously at the bedside, usually in emergencies or for short-term use.
✨ Correctly distinguishing these devices ensures proper maintenance and prevents CLABSI.
Nontunneled require surgical insertion
✨ Nontunneled lines do not require surgery—they are placed at bedside.
✨ They are intended for short-term, not long-term placement.
Tunneled CVADs do not require sterile dressing changes
✨ All central lines require sterile dressing care.
✨ This option falsely minimizes infection-control steps.
Nontunneled are implanted under the chest wall skin
✨ Nontunneled catheters are not implanted; they enter directly through the skin.
✨ This description incorrectly refers to implanted ports.
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This question is from ATI PN Fundamentals IV Fluids & Central Line Management Exam which contains 46 questions.
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From Exam
ATI PN Fundamentals IV Fluids & Central Line Management Exam
46 Questions
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- Category: LPN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: LPN ATI Exams
- Domain: Fundamentals of Nursing
- Answer Choices: 4