Chemotherapy Biotherapy Certification ONS Practice Testq

What is an intrathecal catheter used for?

1. To deliver medications to the bloodstream

2. To provide chemotherapy directly into the spinal fluid

3. To monitor intracranial pressure

4. To administer anesthesia

The correct answer is: To provide chemotherapy directly into the spinal fluid

An intrathecal catheter is specifically designed to administer medications directly into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that surrounds the spinal cord and brain. This route is particularly advantageous for delivering chemotherapy, as it allows for higher concentrations of the drug to reach cancer cells in the central nervous system while minimizing systemic exposure and potential side effects. This targeted delivery is essential in the treatment of cancers that have a propensity to metastasize to the central nervous system, such as certain leukemias and lymphomas. By using an intrathecal catheter, healthcare providers can more effectively manage these conditions and provide patients with potentially more effective treatment options. In contrast, the other responses pertain to different procedures or applications not linked to the primary purpose of an intrathecal catheter. For example, delivering medications to the bloodstream generally involves intravenous administration rather than an intrathecal approach. Monitoring intracranial pressure would typically involve different medical devices designed for that specific purpose, and administering anesthesia is generally managed through other types of epidural or general anesthetic techniques, not intrathecal catheters.