For which situation is a tunneled central catheter typically used?

A tunneled central catheter is designed specifically for long-term access to the central venous system, making it suitable for patients requiring frequent intravenous therapy over an extended period. This type of catheter is surgically placed and tunneled under the skin, which allows patients to have reliable access for treatments like chemotherapy, long-term antibiotics, or other therapies, without the complications often associated with peripheral access.

This option highlights the practical use of tunneled central catheters in clinical situations where other forms of access, such as a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), may not be appropriate or feasible. Factors such as the need for frequent medication administration, the potential for repeated venipuncture, or the patient’s vascular status can make a tunneled catheter a better choice.

In contrast, other options refer to situations where a tunneled central catheter would not be the ideal choice. Short-term IV therapy typically utilizes peripheral IV access or other methods that are easier to place and remove. Emergencies requiring immediate access would generally benefit from the rapid placement of a more accessible device like a peripheral line or an emergent central line. Finally, for pediatric patients, the preference is often for peripheral access as opposed to tunneled catheters, which may have more