Question

Match the correct catheter size to the appropriate patient situation.

(A) Adult patient scheduled for major surgery
(B) Older adult requiring IV medications
(C) Infant requiring IV fluids
(D) Young adult requiring fluid maintenance

(1) 18- gauge
(2) Butterfly needle
(3) 20-gauge
(4) 22-gauge

Answer 1

The correct catheter sizes matched to patient situations are 18-gauge for adult patients undergoing major surgery, 20-gauge for older adults requiring IV medications and young adults needing fluid maintenance, and 22-gauge for infants requiring IV fluids.

Step-by-step explanation:

Matching the correct catheter size to the appropriate patient situation is crucial in the medical field to ensure patient safety and the efficacy of treatments. Here are the matches:

1. An adult patient scheduled for major surgery would typically require a larger gauge catheter to accommodate potentially higher volumes of fluids or transfusions, so an 18-gauge catheter would be appropriate.
2. An older adult requiring IV medications would likely use a 20-gauge catheter, which is standard for adults and can accommodate most medications.
3. An infant requiring IV fluids would need a smaller gauge to fit their smaller veins, so a 22-gauge catheter would be suitable.
4. A young adult requiring fluid maintenance under normal conditions could also be managed with a 20-gauge catheter, as it is versatile and appropriate for most adults.

It's important to select catheter size carefully to minimize the risk of complications such as catheter-related bloodstream infections, which have significant mortality and morbidity associated with them.