Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

What is a suitable intervention for a school-age child with a tunneled central venous access device?

1. Use sterile scissors to remove the dressing from the site.

2. Irrigate each lumen weekly with 10 mL of saline.

3. Access the site using a non-coring angled needle.

4. Use a semipermeable transparent dressing to cover the site.

The correct answer is: Use a semipermeable transparent dressing to cover the site.

Using a semipermeable transparent dressing to cover the site is an appropriate intervention for a school-age child with a tunneled central venous access device. This type of dressing allows for visualization of the insertion site while also providing a barrier to bacteria and moisture, reducing the risk of infection. Additionally, a semipermeable dressing helps to keep the area dry and clean, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the site and ensuring the longevity of the access device. The other options do not align with best practices for care of tunneled central venous access devices. For instance, using sterile scissors to remove the dressing is unnecessary and may introduce contamination, as specialized dressings are generally designed for easy removal without the need for additional tools. Irrigating each lumen weekly with saline, while important for maintenance, must follow specific guidelines regarding frequency and technique to ensure proper flushing of the lines. Accessing the site using a non-coring angled needle is not appropriate for tunneled devices, which typically require a special type of needle designed for those specific ports. Hence, the use of a semipermeable transparent dressing is a well-recognized and standard practice in the care of such devices.