The right atrium and inferior/superior vena cava exert a pressure reflecting the blood volumes returning to the heart; this pressure is referred to as the central venous pressures and it is measured by a central venous catheter. A central venous catheter; also referred to as a central line, is a tube that is inserted into the neck, chest, or groin to administer medications or perform medical examinations quickly (CDC 2). Certain catheters can have various ports that relate to different perforations at the distal end of the catheter; each port has a different purpose like drug administration and pressure measuring functions. The catheter can stay as long as the treatment is necessary, avoiding the need for constant needle puncture; some types
