What symptom might suggest that a CVAD is occluded?

• A. Strong blood flow
• B. Inability to infuse fluids or draw blood
• C. Normal vital signs
• D. Rapid weight gain

Answer: (B)

The presence of an inability to infuse fluids or draw blood serves as a key indicator that a central venous access device (CVAD) may be occluded. An occlusion occurs when there is a blockage or obstruction within the lumen of the CVAD, preventing normal flow. This symptom is significant because it directly affects the functionality of the device; if healthcare professionals cannot infuse necessary fluids or draw blood for testing, it strongly suggests that the pathway is compromised. Such occlusions can arise from various causes, including a thrombus formation or a clamp being left closed.

In contrast, other symptoms such as strong blood flow, normal vital signs, or rapid weight gain do not directly indicate an occlusion. Strong blood flow would typically suggest that the access is functioning well, while normal vital signs are not indicative of device functionality. Rapid weight gain, while it can signal other clinical issues, does not specifically correlate with the patency of a central venous access device. Therefore, the inability to infuse or draw blood is the most direct symptom of an existing occlusion in a CVAD.