ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

Which venous device is recommended for a patient requiring frequent IV injections?

1. Butterfly needle

2. Heparin lock

3. IV infusion

4. Hypodermic needle

The correct answer is: Hypodermic needle

The use of a hypodermic needle for frequent IV injections is appropriate because it allows for direct puncture into the vein for medication delivery. Hypodermic needles provide a reliable method for administering medications quickly and can easily be used multiple times for new injections within a short period, assuming proper techniques are used to minimize tissue trauma and the risk of complications. In contrast, a butterfly needle is typically best suited for short-term use or for single injections, as its design can become less secure if used repetitively. A heparin lock is intended for maintaining venous access but is not specifically designed for repeated injections; instead, it's meant to keep the vein open for periodic medication administration. An IV infusion is employed for continuous medication delivery and may not be practical for situations where frequent, rapid injections are needed. Thus, a hypodermic needle is indeed the recommended venous device in scenarios requiring multiple IV injections due to its effectiveness and versatility in delivering medications directly to the bloodstream.