CDC Nursing Home Infection Prevention Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer is the exit site, which is the part of a central venous catheter (CVC) where the catheter line penetrates the skin. Understanding the role of the exit site is crucial in infection prevention practices. This location is significant because it is one of the primary potential entry points for pathogens that could lead to catheter-related bloodstream infections.

The exit site typically requires careful monitoring for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or drainage. Proper care and maintenance at this site, including regular cleaning and dressing changes, are vital to reduce the risk of infections.

Other components, such as the hub, clamp, and lumen, play different roles in the function of the catheter. The hub is where the catheter connects to syringes or IV lines, the clamp controls the flow of fluid through the catheter, and the lumen refers to the inside channel of the catheter through which fluids flow. While these components are essential for the functioning and management of the CVC, they do not include the penetration point through the skin, which is why the exit site is the correct choice.