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Why is the subclavian vein for a CVP, not the best location of choice?

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Final answer:

The subclavian vein is not the preferred site for CVP measurement due to the increased risk of complications like pneumothorax and hemothorax, the technical difficulties posed by its deep thoracic location and proximity to vital structures, and the higher likelihood of arterial puncture or lung injury.

Step-by-step explanation:

The subclavian vein is not the best choice for a central venous pressure (CVP) measurement for several reasons. The location of the subclavian vein makes it more susceptible to complications such as pneumothorax, where air can enter the pleural space, or hemothorax, where blood accumulates in the chest cavity. Additionally, the subclavian vein passes deep in the thoracic cavity and is located near important structures such as the subclavian artery and the apices of the lungs, increasing the risk of arterial puncture or lung injury.

The subclavian vein becomes the axillary vein as it enters the axillary region, draining the axillary and smaller local veins near the scapular region. It leads to the brachiocephalic vein, which eventually flows into the superior vena cava. The proximity to the clavicle can also make the insertion of a catheter more technically challenging compared to other sites such as the internal jugular vein or the femoral vein.

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