A butterfly catheter is primarily used for what purpose?

The primary purpose of a butterfly catheter is to administer an intravenous (IV) injection. This type of catheter features flexible wings that facilitate a secure grip, allowing for better stabilization during the administration of medications or fluids. Its design enables healthcare providers to quickly and effectively deliver short-term intravenous therapy, making it particularly useful in outpatient settings or for patients who require immediate access to veins without the need for a more permanent IV line.

In contrast, tube feedings typically require specialized feeding tubes, which are specifically designed to provide nutrition directly into the gastrointestinal tract rather than through a peripheral vein. Intraosseous fluid administration involves the use of a different type of catheter that is inserted directly into the bone marrow, allowing for rapid fluid resuscitation in emergency situations. Lastly, collecting a urine sample necessitates different equipment such as a foley catheter or clean-catch collection methods, rather than an intravenous access device like a butterfly catheter.