Which statement about central venous access devices (CVADs) is true?

Which statement about central venous access devices (CVADs) is true?

• A. Subclavian or jugular CVADs are placed by a healthcare professional and can reduce vesicant vascular damage, suitable for short-term use
• B. CVADs are only for long-term use
• C. CVADs have no infection risk
• D. CVADs cannot be used for blood products

Answer: (A)

Central venous access devices are placed by trained healthcare professionals using sterile technique, typically into large central veins such as the subclavian or internal jugular veins. They are chosen to provide reliable access for medications, fluids, and nutritional support that may be difficult or risky to give through a peripheral line. The idea that they can be used for short-term needs is accurate because non-tunneled CVADs are commonly used for acute, temporary use, while other CVAD types serve longer-term access. Using a CVAD to administer vesicants helps protect peripheral tissues by delivering these irritating agents into a central vein where dilution is greater, reducing the risk of tissue damage from extravasation. At the same time, CVADs do carry infection risk and require proper care to minimize it, and they can be used for blood product administration when indicated.

Central venous access devices are placed by trained healthcare professionals using sterile technique, typically into large central veins such as the subclavian or internal jugular veins. They are chosen to provide reliable access for medications, fluids, and nutritional support that may be difficult or risky to give through a peripheral line. The idea that they can be used for short-term needs is accurate because non-tunneled CVADs are commonly used for acute, temporary use, while other CVAD types serve longer-term access. Using a CVAD to administer vesicants helps protect peripheral tissues by delivering these irritating agents into a central vein where dilution is greater, reducing the risk of tissue damage from extravasation. At the same time, CVADs do carry infection risk and require proper care to minimize it, and they can be used for blood product administration when indicated.