CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

True or False: An 18 gauge needle is larger than a 24 gauge needle.

1. True

2. False

3. Depends on the manufacturer

4. Varies by region

The correct answer is: True

The statement is true because gauge size in needles is inversely related to the diameter. In the gauge scale, a lower number indicates a larger diameter. Therefore, an 18 gauge needle is larger in diameter than a 24 gauge needle, making it suitable for applications requiring larger volumes of fluid, such as blood transfusions, while the finer 24 gauge needle is typically used for smaller, more delicate procedures, such as venipuncture in pediatric or geriatric patients. Understanding this relationship is essential in clinical practice, as the choice of needle gauge can significantly impact patient comfort and the effectiveness of a procedure.