What is the purpose of a catheter?

The purpose of a catheter is primarily to drain or inject fluid. Catheters are flexible tubes that can be inserted into various body systems, most commonly into the bladder or blood vessels, to facilitate the movement of fluids. For instance, a urinary catheter is used to drain urine from the bladder when a person is unable to do so naturally. Intravenous (IV) catheters allow for the administration of medications, fluids, or nutrients directly into the bloodstream. The versatility in their function makes catheters essential tools in medical care for managing patient needs related to fluid removal or delivery. This clearly aligns with what is understood to be their main purpose in clinical settings.