National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of an arterial line in a hospital setting?

1. To measure pulmonary artery pressure

2. To measure blood pressure

3. To measure heart rate and oxygen saturation

4. To measure right arterial pressure

The correct answer is: To measure blood pressure

The primary purpose of an arterial line in a hospital setting is to provide continuous and accurate measurement of blood pressure. This invasive monitoring technique allows healthcare providers to obtain real-time blood pressure readings, which are crucial for managing critically ill patients or those undergoing major surgery. In addition to measuring blood pressure, arterial lines can also facilitate the drawing of arterial blood gas samples, thereby monitoring oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood. The accurate and continuous monitoring provided by an arterial line is essential for assessing patient status and guiding treatment decisions. Measuring pulmonary artery pressure and right arterial pressure, while important in specific clinical situations, are typically achieved through different types of catheters, such as a pulmonary artery catheter (Swan-Ganz). Heart rate and oxygen saturation are commonly monitored using non-invasive methods like electrocardiography and pulse oximetry rather than through arterial lines.