Final answer:
The placement of a needle or catheter into an animal's vein is called intravenous catheterization, used for medical procedures such as administering medication or fluids. Catheters must be inserted under sterile conditions to prevent bloodstream infections, a significant health risk according to the World Health Organization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The placement of a needle or catheter directly into an animal's vein is referred to as intravenous catheterization. This procedure involves inserting a needle or catheter into a vein to administer fluids, medication, or for the purpose of intravenous therapy. Intravenous access is critical in the medical field, as it allows for direct delivery of chemotherapy drugs, nutrients, hydration, and other necessary medications into the bloodstream.
Venous catheters, while life-saving, can also be a source of complications. These include the risk of bloodstream infections, which are a serious concern as identified by the World Health Organization, accounting for a significant number of infections and deaths annually. It is important to ensure that catheters are inserted aseptically to minimize the risk of introducing pathogens into the bloodstream, which can happen through contamination during insertion or through dental procedures, piercings, wounds, or other routes where sterility is compromised.