What is the primary purpose of a central venous catheter in shock?

• A. To deliver vasoactive medications, fluids, and measure CVP; facilitate blood sampling
• B. To monitor arterial blood pressure continuously
• C. To monitor pulmonary artery pressures
• D. To administer inhaled medications

Answer: (A)

Central venous access in shock is about obtaining reliable, central access to rapidly administer therapies, monitor the patient, and obtain labs. A central venous catheter lets you deliver vasoactive medications and fluids safely, since these drugs are often irritating if given peripherally and require central administration to avoid tissue injury. It also provides a direct measure of central venous pressure, which helps assess preload and guide fluid management, and enables timely blood sampling for labs and acid-base status. Other devices have different roles: an arterial line is for continuous arterial blood pressure monitoring, a pulmonary artery catheter measures pressures in the right heart and pulmonary circulation, and inhaled medications are given via the respiratory route rather than through a central venous line.