Which IV catheter gauge has the largest bore?

Which IV catheter gauge has the largest bore?

• A. 18 gauge
• B. 24 gauge
• C. 14 gauge (large bore)
• D. 20-22 gauge

Answer: (C)

Understanding IV catheter gauge: the bore size is determined by gauge, and the numbers run opposite to diameter—the smaller the gauge number, the larger the lumen. That makes the 14 gauge catheter the largest bore among the options. The other choices have higher gauge numbers (18, 20–22, and 24), which correspond to smaller lumens and slower flow. In practice, a large bore is preferred for rapid fluid or blood product administration, while smaller gauges are used for routine IV access when rapid infusion isn’t needed.

Understanding IV catheter gauge: the bore size is determined by gauge, and the numbers run opposite to diameter—the smaller the gauge number, the larger the lumen. That makes the 14 gauge catheter the largest bore among the options. The other choices have higher gauge numbers (18, 20–22, and 24), which correspond to smaller lumens and slower flow. In practice, a large bore is preferred for rapid fluid or blood product administration, while smaller gauges are used for routine IV access when rapid infusion isn’t needed.