What is an IV catheter used for?

An IV catheter is primarily used for the purpose of providing continuous medication. This method allows for the administration of fluids, medications, and other critical therapies directly into the bloodstream. By utilizing an IV catheter, the medication can be delivered in a controlled and steady manner, ensuring that the patient's system receives a consistent dosage, which is particularly important for ongoing treatments or in emergency situations.

In contrast, while vaccines are important for patient care, they are typically administered via intramuscular or subcutaneous routes rather than through an IV catheter. Inducing anesthesia can involve various methods, and while intravenous anesthesia is a possibility, this does not encompass the primary use of IV catheters. Similarly, blood sampling generally requires withdrawing blood from a vein without the use of an IV catheter, which is more focused on delivering substances into the body rather than extracting them.