Which complication is specifically more associated with central venous catheters than typical PICC lines?

Which complication is specifically more associated with central venous catheters than typical PICC lines?

• A. Pneumothorax
• B. Occlusion
• C. Embolism
• D. Infection

Answer: (A)

Pneumothorax is the risk most tied to central venous catheter placement. When a central line is inserted, especially via the subclavian or internal jugular vein, the needle and guidewire pass near the lung and pleural space. If a puncture goes too deep, air can leak into the pleural space, causing a pneumothorax. Peripherally inserted central catheters are placed in arm veins and travel to the chest, but the puncture occurs away from the pleural space, so the chance of a pneumothorax is much lower. The other complications—occlusion, embolism, and infection—can occur with both central lines and PICCs, so they don’t differentiate between the two as specifically.

Pneumothorax is the risk most tied to central venous catheter placement. When a central line is inserted, especially via the subclavian or internal jugular vein, the needle and guidewire pass near the lung and pleural space. If a puncture goes too deep, air can leak into the pleural space, causing a pneumothorax. Peripherally inserted central catheters are placed in arm veins and travel to the chest, but the puncture occurs away from the pleural space, so the chance of a pneumothorax is much lower. The other complications—occlusion, embolism, and infection—can occur with both central lines and PICCs, so they don’t differentiate between the two as specifically.