What is the primary use of a triple lumen catheter?

What is the primary use of a triple lumen catheter?

• A. Only for dialysis
• B. Measurement of intracranial pressure
• C. Medication and fluid administration, CVP monitoring, blood sampling, and blood administration
• D. Catheter-related bloodstream infection assessment

Answer: (C)

The primary use of a triple lumen catheter is indeed for medication and fluid administration, central venous pressure (CVP) monitoring, blood sampling, and blood administration. This type of catheter is designed to provide multiple ports for different functions, allowing healthcare providers to administer multiple treatments or medications simultaneously without the need for multiple access points. Each lumen in the catheter can be dedicated to a specific purpose: one for fluid and medication administration, one for drawing blood samples, and another for monitoring pressures or administering additional fluids. This versatility is especially beneficial in critical care settings where patients often require various treatments concurrently. The other options presented do not align with the primary functions of a triple lumen catheter. For instance, while a single-lumen catheter might be used for dialysis, the triple lumen catheter's design is not limited to this purpose. Additionally, measuring intracranial pressure is typically done using specialized devices, not through a triple lumen catheter. Finally, while catheter-related bloodstream infection assessment is an important consideration in the management of central venous access, it is not a primary use of the catheter itself. Instead, it reflects the need for careful monitoring of the device's function and maintenance.

The primary use of a triple lumen catheter is indeed for medication and fluid administration, central venous pressure (CVP) monitoring, blood sampling, and blood administration. This type of catheter is designed to provide multiple ports for different functions, allowing healthcare providers to administer multiple treatments or medications simultaneously without the need for multiple access points.

Each lumen in the catheter can be dedicated to a specific purpose: one for fluid and medication administration, one for drawing blood samples, and another for monitoring pressures or administering additional fluids. This versatility is especially beneficial in critical care settings where patients often require various treatments concurrently.

The other options presented do not align with the primary functions of a triple lumen catheter. For instance, while a single-lumen catheter might be used for dialysis, the triple lumen catheter's design is not limited to this purpose. Additionally, measuring intracranial pressure is typically done using specialized devices, not through a triple lumen catheter. Finally, while catheter-related bloodstream infection assessment is an important consideration in the management of central venous access, it is not a primary use of the catheter itself. Instead, it reflects the need for careful monitoring of the device's function and maintenance.