Anesthesia Technologist Practice Exam

Before inserting a PA catheter, what preparation must be done?

1. Only the balloon should be checked

2. All lumens should be connected to stopcocks, flushed, and a sterile sleeve inserted

3. The PAC should be filled with saline

4. No preparation is needed

The correct answer is: All lumens should be connected to stopcocks, flushed, and a sterile sleeve inserted

The selected answer is appropriate because it emphasizes the comprehensive preparation required before the insertion of a pulmonary artery (PA) catheter. Ensuring that all lumens are connected to stopcocks is critical to prevent back-flow and maintain the integrity of the catheter during the procedure. Flushing each lumen with sterile solution helps to clear any obstructions and confirm patency, reducing the risk of complications during monitoring or medication administration. Additionally, inserting a sterile sleeve around the catheter aids in maintaining a sterile field, which is crucial in preventing potential infections that could arise from the invasive placement of the catheter. This meticulous preparation is part of best practice guidelines in catheter management, reflecting a systematic approach to ensure patient safety and optimal function of the device. The other options reflect insufficient or inappropriate measures, either focusing only on one part of the preparation process or suggesting a lack of necessary actions altogether. This highlights the importance of thorough, multifaceted preparation in clinical procedures involving PA catheters.