ASATT National Certification Exam (NCE) Practice Exam

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that can significantly increase the risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) during central venous pressure (CVP) placement. When a DVT occurs, a blood clot forms in the deep veins, often in the legs. If the CVP placement involves manipulation or movement of the venous system, or if the placement is in a position that facilitates the dislodgment of the clot, there is a potential for that clot to travel through the venous system. If the clot travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism, which can lead to serious complications, including respiratory distress or even death.

In contrast, catheter misplacement, pneumothorax, and arterial injury, while they can lead to significant complications, do not directly contribute to the risk of pulmonary embolism. Catheter misplacement may cause serious local complications or placement in an undesirable vascular structure. Pneumothorax results from lung puncture, leading to air entering the pleural space and potentially causing difficulty in breathing. Arterial injury involves damage to an artery during the procedure, which can lead to bleeding or hematoma formation, but not specifically to pulmonary embolism. Understanding these distinctions is critical for assessing