A feeding tube is the same as an IV catheter.

A feeding tube and an IV catheter serve different purposes in medical care. This statement is false because a feeding tube is specifically designed to deliver nutrition directly to the stomach or intestines of a patient who cannot eat by mouth, while an IV catheter is used to administer fluids, medications, or nutrients directly into the bloodstream.

Understanding the distinct functions of these devices is important in healthcare settings. Feeding tubes facilitate the intake of food and hydration when oral consumption is not possible, whereas IV catheters are essential for intravenous therapy, which is critical for hydration and delivering medications, especially in emergency situations. The different sites of insertion and the types of substances they carry further differentiate these two methods of support.