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What is the primary function of a stylet?

  1. To sterilize instruments

  2. To insert into a soft catheter or cannula to secure rigidity

  3. To hold surgical gauze in place

  4. To cut through tissue

The correct answer is: To insert into a soft catheter or cannula to secure rigidity

The primary function of a stylet is to insert into a soft catheter or cannula to secure rigidity. A stylet typically consists of a thin, stiff wire that provides support and structure to otherwise flexible materials. This feature becomes crucial in medical procedures where maintaining the shape of a catheter or cannula is necessary to ensure it can be effectively navigated into the desired location within the body. The rigidity offered by the stylet helps prevent kinking or collapsing during insertion, which is vital for successful access to veins or other body structures during medical interventions.