Which statement about implanted ports is true?

• A. They are surgically implanted in a subcutaneous pocket and accessed with a noncoring needle; long-term therapy; low infection risk; monitor for infiltration
• B. They require external tubing every time
• C. They are only used for infants
• D. They cannot be used for antibiotics

Answer: (A)

Implanted ports provide long-term venous access without an external tubing setup at all times. They’re placed just under the skin in a subcutaneous pocket, with a catheter threaded into a central vein. The port is accessed through the skin using a noncoring (Huber) needle, which allows repeated infusions or administration of medications, including antibiotics, without repeatedly sticking veins.

Because access is through the skin into the reservoir, you don’t have external tubing running continuously—tubing is only used briefly when the port is accessed for therapy. They’re not limited to infants; they’re used in patients of all ages. They are indeed used for antibiotics, among other therapies. Infection risk is lower than with peripheral IVs when proper care is followed, but it isn’t zero. It’s important to monitor the port site and the surrounding tissues for signs of infiltration or other complications.