National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

Which catheter is inserted into the internal jugular vein to monitor central venous pressure?

1. Central venous pressure catheter

2. Hickman catheter

3. Swan-Ganz catheter

4. Arterial line catheter

The correct answer is: Hickman catheter

The insertion of a catheter into the internal jugular vein for the purpose of monitoring central venous pressure is best served by a central venous pressure catheter. This type of catheter specifically facilitates direct measurement of the pressure in the central venous system, which reflects right atrial pressure and can provide insights into fluid status, heart function, and response to therapy. A Hickman catheter, while a type of central venous catheter, is typically used for long-term access to the central venous system for chemotherapy or parenteral nutrition, rather than specifically for monitoring central venous pressure. The Swan-Ganz catheter is designed for measuring pulmonary artery pressures and obtaining readings such as pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, making it not suitable for central venous pressure monitoring. An arterial line catheter is used primarily for continuous monitoring of arterial blood pressure, and it does not serve the purpose of measuring central venous pressure. In summary, the correct choice directly refers to a catheter that is dedicated to the measurement of central venous pressure, ensuring the monitoring of cardiovascular status in a clinically relevant manner.