What intravenous access would best serve a patient requiring frequent blood draws?

What intravenous access would best serve a patient requiring frequent blood draws?

• A. A peripheral IV catheter
• B. A central line or a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)
• C. An intraosseous line
• D. A standard syringe

Answer: (B)

A central line or a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is the most appropriate choice for a patient requiring frequent blood draws. This type of access provides stable and long-term venous access, making it ideal for patients who need repeated blood sampling or medication administration over an extended period. Central lines and PICCs are inserted into larger veins, which can accommodate multiple draws without the risk of complications associated with smaller peripheral veins. Additionally, using a PICC or central line reduces the likelihood of vein irritation, phlebitis, or thrombosis that can occur with frequent use of peripheral IV catheters. This is particularly important in patients who may have fragile veins or require long-term therapy, ensuring patient comfort and safety. The other options have limitations when it comes to frequent blood draws. A peripheral IV catheter may be suitable for occasional draws but can become problematic if accessed too frequently, as it can lead to complications such as infiltration or phlebitis. An intraosseous line, while useful in emergencies when venous access is not possible, is not designed for frequent access and can have its own set of complications. A standard syringe is not an option for intravenous access, as it does not provide a means to access the vascular system

A central line or a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is the most appropriate choice for a patient requiring frequent blood draws. This type of access provides stable and long-term venous access, making it ideal for patients who need repeated blood sampling or medication administration over an extended period.

Central lines and PICCs are inserted into larger veins, which can accommodate multiple draws without the risk of complications associated with smaller peripheral veins. Additionally, using a PICC or central line reduces the likelihood of vein irritation, phlebitis, or thrombosis that can occur with frequent use of peripheral IV catheters. This is particularly important in patients who may have fragile veins or require long-term therapy, ensuring patient comfort and safety.

The other options have limitations when it comes to frequent blood draws. A peripheral IV catheter may be suitable for occasional draws but can become problematic if accessed too frequently, as it can lead to complications such as infiltration or phlebitis. An intraosseous line, while useful in emergencies when venous access is not possible, is not designed for frequent access and can have its own set of complications. A standard syringe is not an option for intravenous access, as it does not provide a means to access the vascular system