Which type of catheter is placed into the patient’s body with the tip resting in the distal end of the superior vena cava?

The correct answer involves the placement of a specialized catheter designed for long-term use, which is typically inserted through a small incision in the skin and is tunneled under the skin to a central venous location. This design permits the tip of the catheter to rest in the distal end of the superior vena cava, allowing for efficient administration of medication and fluids directly into the central circulation.

Tunneled central venous catheters are particularly advantageous because they reduce the risk of infection due to their subcutaneous placement and can remain in place for an extended period, making them ideal for patients requiring long-term intravenous access, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or long-term antibiotic therapy.

Nontunneled catheters are often placed directly into the vein, without tunneling, and can also be positioned within the superior vena cava, but they are typically used for shorter periods and may pose a higher infection risk due to their direct connection to the vascular system without the protective tunnel. Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are designed for similar use as tunneled catheters but are inserted through a peripheral vein and threaded to the central venous system. Lastly, standard intravenous (IV) catheters are used for short-term venous access but