Anesthesia Technologist Practice Exam

What is the maximum amount of air required for the inflation of a PA catheter?

1. 0.5 cc's

2. 1 cc

3. 1.5 cc's

4. 2 cc's

The correct answer is: 1.5 cc's

The maximum amount of air required for the inflation of a pulmonary artery (PA) catheter is typically 1.5 cc's. This volume is carefully calibrated to ensure the balloon inflates adequately to assist in measuring pulmonary artery pressures without causing excessive pressure in the vessel. Using more air than necessary can lead to complications such as over-inflation, which could damage the pulmonary vasculature or disrupt accurate pressure readings. The ability to inflate to this level provides a balanced approach: it allows for effective floatation of the catheter while minimizing the risks associated with over-distension of the balloon. Therefore, understanding the proper inflation volume is crucial for anesthesia technologists, as it ensures patient safety and the effectiveness of the monitoring devices used during anesthesia and surgical procedures.