Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

Which catheter is threaded into the superior vena cava for long-term venous substance administration?

1. Gastric tube

2. Jejunostomy tube

3. Hickman catheter

4. Nasogastric tube

The correct answer is: Hickman catheter

The Hickman catheter is specifically designed for long-term venous access, making it an ideal choice for administering substances directly into the bloodstream over an extended period. This catheter is surgically implanted into the superior vena cava, which allows for the delivery of medications, nutrition, or blood products without the need for repeated needle sticks, thus enhancing patient comfort and adherence to treatment protocols. The unique design of the Hickman catheter, which includes a tunnel under the skin to reduce the risk of infection and complications, further supports its use in managing long-term therapies, particularly in patients requiring chemotherapy or those receiving total parenteral nutrition. By providing a stable and reliable vascular access point, the Hickman catheter limits the potential for damage to peripheral veins that could arise from frequent use of standard IV lines. In contrast, the other options serve different purposes and are not suited for long-term central venous administration. Gastric tubes and nasogastric tubes are primarily used for feeding and medication delivery into the gastrointestinal tract, while jejunostomy tubes are placed directly into the small intestine for feeding purposes. These alternatives lack the necessary length and design to facilitate long-term central venous administration and are not placed in the superior vena cava.