Evolve HESI Practice Exam

What is the appropriate way for a nurse to access an implanted infusion port?

1. Use a regular syringe

2. Insert a butterfly needle

3. Insert a Huber-point needle into the port

4. Administer medication through an IV line

The correct answer is: Insert a Huber-point needle into the port

Accessing an implanted infusion port requires a specific type of needle known as a Huber-point needle. This needle is designed with a unique non-coring tip that allows for safe entry into the access port without damaging the septum, which is the silicone or rubber barrier that protects the internal components of the port. Using a Huber-point needle minimizes the risk of creating a path for infection and ensures that the infusion system remains intact for repeated accesses. Other methods of access, such as using a regular syringe or a butterfly needle, could introduce complications. A regular syringe would not be suitable for accessing the port directly, as it lacks the appropriate design to penetrate the port safely. Similarly, butterfly needles are primarily used for venipuncture and do not provide the secure access needed for implanted ports, increasing the risk of complications such as coring or leakage. Administering medication through an IV line is not a method for accessing the port itself. While an established IV line can be used to deliver medications, it does not involve direct access to an implanted port, which is specifically intended for long-term intravenous therapy. Therefore, the correct approach to accessing an implanted port is to use a Huber-point needle, ensuring safe and effective access for infusion therapy.