What is the function of a catheter?

A catheter serves the essential function of draining or injecting fluids through a body opening. This medical device is commonly used in various healthcare settings to manage different medical conditions. For instance, a urinary catheter helps to drain urine from the bladder when a patient is unable to do so naturally, while intravenous (IV) catheters allow for the administration of medications and fluids directly into the bloodstream.

The other options illustrate functions that do not pertain to catheters. Immobilizing a fractured limb pertains to the use of splints or casts, which support and stabilize broken bones. Providing nutrition relates to enteral feeding methods, such as feeding tubes, which differ substantially from the purpose of a catheter. Measuring blood pressure is typically performed using a sphygmomanometer rather than a catheter, which focuses on fluid management rather than vascular assessment. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the specific role of catheters in medical practice.