# Categorize each vascular-access situation according to the CDC-aligned next step.

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=513950&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Continuity of Care  
> category: MOC

## Question

Categorize each vascular-access situation according to the CDC-aligned next step.

**1.** Peripheral IV has warmth, tenderness, erythema, and a palpable venous cord

Select a category
Remove the catheter now
Do not remove for this reason alone
Guidewire-exchange candidate if no infection is present

**2.** Peripheral IV leaks and no longer infuses despite position checks

Select a category
Remove the catheter now
Do not remove for this reason alone
Guidewire-exchange candidate if no infection is present

**3.** Peripheral IV remains intact but the client no longer needs intravenous therapy

Select a category
Remove the catheter now
Do not remove for this reason alone
Guidewire-exchange candidate if no infection is present

**4.** A needed PICC client has fever with a confirmed non-catheter infection and no line-site findings

Select a category
Remove the catheter now
Do not remove for this reason alone
Guidewire-exchange candidate if no infection is present

**5.** A functioning central venous catheter reaches a routine calendar replacement date

Select a category
Remove the catheter now
Do not remove for this reason alone
Guidewire-exchange candidate if no infection is present

**6.** A non-tunneled central catheter malfunctions with no evidence of infection

Select a category
Remove the catheter now
Do not remove for this reason alone
Guidewire-exchange candidate if no infection is present

## Explanation

Peripheral catheters are removed for phlebitis, infection, malfunction, or lack of need. Central catheters are not removed for fever alone, and routine scheduled replacement is not recommended.

## In-depth explanation

Quick answer
Sort the situations into remove now, do not remove for this reason alone, or guidewire-exchange candidate.

Why this is correct
CDC recommendations distinguish a clear removal indication from unsupported routine replacement. A malfunctioning non-tunneled catheter without infection may be eligible for guidewire exchange, while suspected infection is not.

Easy analogy or mental picture
Decide whether the line is dangerous, merely under suspicion, or mechanically replaceable before choosing the tool.

Memory hook
Phlebitis, infection, malfunction, or no need: remove; fever alone is not enough.

NCLEX decision rule
Base removal on the catheter and clinical evidence, not on a calendar or a single nonspecific finding.

Why the other choices are wrong
Routine CVC replacement adds procedure risk without prevention benefit, and fever from another source does not prove a catheter infection.References
1CDC: Intravascular Catheter Infection RecommendationsDressing replacement and catheter maintenance
2CDC: Catheter Prevention StrategiesRemoval for phlebitis, infection, malfunction, or lack of need

## Clinical scenario

Access-device decision
Identify the device, local findings, evidence of infection, mechanical function, and ongoing need before selecting removal or exchange.

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