While aspirating a CVAD, what is the critical sign that indicates correct placement?

While aspirating a CVAD, what is the critical sign that indicates correct placement?

• A. Presence of saline bubbles in the line
• B. Absence of resistance when aspirating
• C. Blood return indicating patent catheter
• D. Visual confirmation of catheter length

Answer: (C)

The critical sign that indicates correct placement of a central venous access device (CVAD) during the aspiration process is the presence of blood return, which indicates that the catheter is patent and properly positioned within the vascular system. This means that the catheter is in the correct location within a large vein, typically the superior vena cava or right atrium, allowing for effective venous access. When blood returns into the aspirating syringe after applying gentle suction, it not only confirms that the catheter tip is not in a non-vascular space but also assures that there are no clots or obstructions present within the catheter. This is essential for the safe administration of medications or fluids and for the monitoring of central venous pressure if needed. The presence of saline bubbles in the line does not provide relevant information about the catheter's placement or patency. Similarly, the absence of resistance when aspirating might suggest catheter patency but does not definitively confirm that the catheter is correctly positioned within the vascular system. Visual confirmation of catheter length can be helpful for tracking but does not offer direct insight into the catheter's actual placement in the venous system. Therefore, a blood return is the most reliable indicator of correct placement during aspiration.

The critical sign that indicates correct placement of a central venous access device (CVAD) during the aspiration process is the presence of blood return, which indicates that the catheter is patent and properly positioned within the vascular system. This means that the catheter is in the correct location within a large vein, typically the superior vena cava or right atrium, allowing for effective venous access.

When blood returns into the aspirating syringe after applying gentle suction, it not only confirms that the catheter tip is not in a non-vascular space but also assures that there are no clots or obstructions present within the catheter. This is essential for the safe administration of medications or fluids and for the monitoring of central venous pressure if needed.

The presence of saline bubbles in the line does not provide relevant information about the catheter's placement or patency. Similarly, the absence of resistance when aspirating might suggest catheter patency but does not definitively confirm that the catheter is correctly positioned within the vascular system. Visual confirmation of catheter length can be helpful for tracking but does not offer direct insight into the catheter's actual placement in the venous system. Therefore, a blood return is the most reliable indicator of correct placement during aspiration.