How should ports be accessed for medication administration?

• A. With a regular syringe needle
• B. Using a non-coring needle specifically designed for this purpose
• C. With an intravenous catheter
• D. Using a standard hypodermic needle

Answer: (B)

Accessing ports for medication administration should be done using a non-coring needle specifically designed for this purpose. Non-coring needles are crafted to minimize damage to the port itself, which is typically made of soft materials that can be easily compromised by standard needles. These specialized needles have a beveled tip that is designed to penetrate the port without removing any tissue, thereby preserving the integrity of the port and reducing the risk of complications such as thrombosis or infection.

This method ensures that the medication can be infused effectively while maintaining the sterile environment needed for such procedures. A regular syringe needle or standard hypodermic needle, in contrast, could potentially cause coring, which can lead to debris being introduced into the bloodstream or cause the port to fail over time. Using an intravenous catheter is also inappropriate as ports require specifically designed access devices to ensure proper functionality and patient safety.