Question 1

The preferred location of a central venous line tip is the

Accepted Answer

The preferred location of a central venous line tip is the superior vena cava because it is close to the right atrium and provides central access to the venous system. The other choices are not optimal locations for central venous access.

Question 2

Thoracostomy tubes are used to

Accepted Answer

Thoracostomy tubes are inserted into the chest to reestablish negative intrapleural pressure, which may be disrupted due to various conditions such as traumatic injury or pneumothorax. They are not used for biopsy, administering oxygen or chemotherapeutic drugs.

Question 3

A Swan-Ganz catheter differs from a central venous (CV)catheter in that Swan-Ganz

Accepted Answer

A Swan-Ganz catheter measures arterial pressures in the wedge position and reflects pressure in the left atrium. It may be single-lumen or multilumen design with a pressure electrode and cuff at the distal end. Finally, the catheter is named after Jeremy Swan and William Ganz, who developed it.

Question 4

A patient is thought to have had a cardiac arrest.The patient's pulse should be checked at the _____ artery.

Accepted Answer

The carotid artery is the closest pulse point to the heart and is easily accessible. Checking for a pulse at the carotid artery during a suspected cardiac arrest can help determine if the heart has stopped beating.

Question 5

The ideal location of the endotracheal tube tip is

Accepted Answer

The ideal location of the endotracheal tube tip is in the trachea 1 to 2 inches above the carina. This location ensures proper ventilation of both lungs and reduces the risk of complications such as aspiration or pneumothorax. Options A and B are incorrect as they could result in breathing difficulty and compromised oxygenation. Option C is incorrect as it would not maintain airway patency.

Question 6

While performing a portable chest radiograph on an uncooperative patient with a CV line inserted,you note that the catheter fixation material has loosened.Your responsibility as a professional radiographer is to

Accepted Answer

As a professional radiographer, patient safety should be the top priority. Therefore, it is important to inform the patient's nurse of the catheter issue before taking the radiograph. The nurse can reattach the catheter line and ensure that it is properly secured before proceeding with the exam. Completing the exam without addressing the catheter issue could cause harm to the patient. Additionally, taking the chest image to assess catheter tip position and displacement may not be necessary in this situation as the issue is with the catheter fixation material, and not the catheter itself.

Question 7

You have completed a portable chest radiograph on a patient in the ICU.The image is positioned correctly and has acceptable image quality.When the correct placement of a central venous (CV)line using a right-sided approach is assessed,the catheter tip should

Accepted Answer

When placing a central venous line using a right-sided approach, the catheter tip should not cross the midline of the patient and should be located in the superior vena cava. This is the preferred location for central venous catheter tips as it allows for accurate monitoring of central venous pressure and avoids complications such as arrhythmias or pulmonary artery puncture. The other options listed (B, C, and D) are incorrect as they describe incorrect placement of the catheter tip.

Question 8

Which of the following is a common complication associated with CV line placement?

Accepted Answer

Pneumothorax or hemothorax are common complications associated with CV line placement, as the insertion of the line may accidentally puncture the lung or a blood vessel. Tracheal erosion, laryngedema, and atelectasis are not common complications associated with CV line placement.

Question 9

A Swan-Ganz catheter is

Accepted Answer

A Swan-Ganz catheter is used to measure pulmonary wedge pressures by inserting a catheter through the jugular or femoral vein and threading it through the right atrium of the heart and into the pulmonary artery. It is not intended to measure venous pressure in the superior vena cava and is not the same as a PICC line (peripherally inserted central catheter).

Question 10

To relieve a large tension pneumothorax,what kind of tube(s)is (are)inserted into the patient?

Accepted Answer

Chest and Thoracostomy tubes are both used to relieve a large tension pneumothorax by allowing air to escape from the pleural space.

Quiz 15: Vital Signs, oxygen, chest Tubes, and Lines