Practice Question
A nurse is changing the dressing on a central venous access device (CVAD) that has a transparent semipermeable membrane dressing. What is the appropriate frequency for changing this type of dressing?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Every 5 to 7 days
Rationale:
🔷 Transparent semipermeable membrane (TSM) dressings are designed to remain sterile and intact for 5–7 days unless soiled or loose, aligning with CDC and INS standards.
🔷 These dressings allow continuous visualization of the CVAD site, reducing the need for frequent manipulation, which lowers the risk of infection.
🔷 Changing the dressing too often disrupts the sterile barrier and increases infection risk by exposing the insertion site unnecessarily.
🔷 TSM dressings are moisture-vapor permeable, maintaining a protective seal for nearly a week without compromising skin integrity.
🔷 Evidence-based practice supports 5–7-day intervals because central lines require minimal disturbance to reduce CLABSI risk.
Every 48 hours
🔷 Changing every 48 hours is recommended for gauze dressings, not transparent dressings.
🔷 This frequency would cause unnecessary site manipulation and increase infection risk.
Every week
🔷 “Every week” is vague and exceeds the maximum safe interval (7 days) allowed for TSM dressings.
🔷 Delaying beyond 7 days increases bacterial colonization risk.
Every 24 hours
🔷 Daily dressing changes are excessive and contradict sterile line-care guidelines.
🔷 Frequent changes raise contamination risk and compromise CVAD stability.
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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