Which of the following is a risk factor associated with CVAD placement?

Which of the following is a risk factor associated with CVAD placement?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Obesity
• C. Thrombocytopenia
• D. Age over 70

Answer: (C)

Thrombocytopenia is a relevant risk factor associated with the placement of central venous access devices (CVADs) because it refers to a lower-than-normal number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are crucial for clotting, and having a decreased platelet count can significantly increase the risk of bleeding during and after the insertion of a CVAD. This condition can complicate the procedure, leading to potentially serious complications, such as hematomas or excessive bleeding, particularly if there is any vascular injury during placement. Other conditions, while they may have their own implications for CVAD use and care, do not directly increase the risk of procedural complications related to CVAD insertion in the same way that thrombocytopenia does. For instance, hypertension might affect a patient's overall health and potentially influence the choice of access site or management of other health conditions, but it does not inherently increase the bleeding risk associated with vascular procedures like CVAD placement. Obesity can complicate access and may require additional considerations for catheter length and insertion technique, but it does not directly relate to bleeding risk. Similarly, being over the age of 70 may contribute to other health risks but does not specifically make thrombocytopenia a more pressing concern for CVAD procedures.

Thrombocytopenia is a relevant risk factor associated with the placement of central venous access devices (CVADs) because it refers to a lower-than-normal number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are crucial for clotting, and having a decreased platelet count can significantly increase the risk of bleeding during and after the insertion of a CVAD. This condition can complicate the procedure, leading to potentially serious complications, such as hematomas or excessive bleeding, particularly if there is any vascular injury during placement.

Other conditions, while they may have their own implications for CVAD use and care, do not directly increase the risk of procedural complications related to CVAD insertion in the same way that thrombocytopenia does. For instance, hypertension might affect a patient's overall health and potentially influence the choice of access site or management of other health conditions, but it does not inherently increase the bleeding risk associated with vascular procedures like CVAD placement. Obesity can complicate access and may require additional considerations for catheter length and insertion technique, but it does not directly relate to bleeding risk. Similarly, being over the age of 70 may contribute to other health risks but does not specifically make thrombocytopenia a more pressing concern for CVAD procedures.