Wisconsin CNA State Exam Vocabulary Practice

What is a catheter used for in a medical context?

1. To measure blood pressure

2. To monitor sugar levels

3. To drain excess fluid

4. Tube inserted through the skin or into a body opening that is used to add or drain fluid.

The correct answer is: Tube inserted through the skin or into a body opening that is used to add or drain fluid.

A catheter is a versatile medical device that is inserted into the body through the skin or a natural opening to either add or drain fluids. This definition highlights its primary function in healthcare settings, where it can be used for a variety of purposes such as administering medications, delivering fluids, or removing waste. While options mentioning measuring blood pressure or monitoring sugar levels describe important medical processes, they do not pertain to the specific function of a catheter. The primary action of a catheter deals with fluid management, making it distinct from those other medical tools or processes. Option C refers to draining fluid, which is an aspect of what a catheter does, but it is not as comprehensive as the correct answer, which encompasses both draining and adding fluid as necessary.