What is a characteristic of external tunneled catheters?

What is a characteristic of external tunneled catheters?

• A. They are only for temporary use.
• B. They have a lower risk of infection compared to non-tunneled catheters.
• C. They are sutured in place.
• D. They can be inserted by registered nurses.

Answer: (B)

External tunneled catheters are known for having a lower risk of infection compared to non-tunneled catheters. This characteristic is primarily due to the way they are designed and placed. The catheter is threaded under the skin to a significant length, which reduces direct access to the bloodstream and minimizes exposure to external pathogens. The tunneling technique helps promote healing around the insertion site and provides a barrier against bacteria. This lower risk of infection is particularly important in patients who require long-term venous access for therapies such as chemotherapy, total parenteral nutrition, or long-term antibiotic therapy. As a result, external tunneled catheters are often preferred in situations where extended treatment is necessary. Other options present characteristics that do not apply to external tunneled catheters. They are indeed suitable for long-term use rather than temporary use, are typically secured with a cuff or feature other stabilization methods rather than being sutured in place, and inserting them generally requires a physician or trained specialist, not just registered nurses.

External tunneled catheters are known for having a lower risk of infection compared to non-tunneled catheters. This characteristic is primarily due to the way they are designed and placed. The catheter is threaded under the skin to a significant length, which reduces direct access to the bloodstream and minimizes exposure to external pathogens. The tunneling technique helps promote healing around the insertion site and provides a barrier against bacteria.

This lower risk of infection is particularly important in patients who require long-term venous access for therapies such as chemotherapy, total parenteral nutrition, or long-term antibiotic therapy. As a result, external tunneled catheters are often preferred in situations where extended treatment is necessary.

Other options present characteristics that do not apply to external tunneled catheters. They are indeed suitable for long-term use rather than temporary use, are typically secured with a cuff or feature other stabilization methods rather than being sutured in place, and inserting them generally requires a physician or trained specialist, not just registered nurses.