Which complication is specifically more associated with central venous catheters than typical PICC lines?

• A. Pneumothorax
• B. Occlusion
• C. Embolism
• D. Infection

Answer: (A)

Pneumothorax is the risk most tied to central venous catheter placement. When a central line is inserted, especially via the subclavian or internal jugular vein, the needle and guidewire pass near the lung and pleural space. If a puncture goes too deep, air can leak into the pleural space, causing a pneumothorax. Peripherally inserted central catheters are placed in arm veins and travel to the chest, but the puncture occurs away from the pleural space, so the chance of a pneumothorax is much lower. The other complications—occlusion, embolism, and infection—can occur with both central lines and PICCs, so they don’t differentiate between the two as specifically.