CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

Where does a Swan-Ganz catheter typically finalize its location?

1. Right atrium

2. Right or left pulmonary artery

3. Superior vena cava

4. Pulmonary vein

The correct answer is: Right or left pulmonary artery

The Swan-Ganz catheter, also known as a pulmonary artery catheter, is a specialized device used primarily for monitoring hemodynamic parameters in patients, particularly in critical care settings. Its typical endpoint is in the right or left pulmonary artery. When the Swan-Ganz catheter is inserted, it is advanced through the venous system and into the right atrium, then through the right ventricle, and finally into one of the pulmonary arteries. This positioning allows for the measurement of pulmonary artery pressures and the assessment of cardiac function. Monitoring in the pulmonary artery is essential for understanding the patient's respiratory and circulatory status, as it provides valuable information about blood flow and pressure in the lungs. The options indicating the right atrium, superior vena cava, or pulmonary vein represent locations that do not reflect the final position of the Swan-Ganz catheter. The right atrium is where the catheter initially enters the heart, but it does not provide the specific monitoring capabilities associated with the pulmonary artery. The superior vena cava is an entry point but not a destination for this type of catheter. The pulmonary veins, which carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart, are also not locations where the Swan-Ganz catheter is meant to reside. Thus, the choice of the