What is a key characteristic of short peripheral catheters?

Short peripheral catheters play a vital role in intravenous therapy, and their defining characteristic is indeed their size. The correct choice highlights that these catheters are typically less than or equal to 7.6 cm in length, which makes them suitable for brief access to the peripheral veins. Due to their short length, they are generally used for short-term therapy, such as administering medication or fluids over a course of days rather than weeks or longer.

This size also influences other aspects of their use in clinical practice, including the sites where they can be inserted and the duration for which they can remain in place without posing significant risks. They are specifically designed for easy insertion and removal in patients, thus differentiating them from central lines, which are longer and typically require more invasive procedures for placement.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe short peripheral catheters. They are not designed to remain in place indefinitely, nor are they used for central venous access, and they do not require surgical insertion; these catheters can usually be placed by trained healthcare providers at the bedside.