Here's what a butterfly needle is:
* A type of intravenous (IV) catheter used to access veins for administering medications, fluids, or drawing blood.
* Named for its appearance: It has two wings that resemble a butterfly, which are the flexible wings that hold the needle in place.
* Used for superficial veins: Butterfly needles are typically used for smaller veins, like those in the back of the hand or the forearm.
* Easy to use: They are considered easier to use than standard IV catheters, as they have a smaller gauge and are more flexible.
Therefore, when you hear "butterfly" in a medical context, it most likely refers to a butterfly needle.
