Understanding PA Catheter Waveforms

What is the primary purpose of a PA catheter?

• To administer chemotherapy

• To monitor brain activity

• To measure blood glucose levels

• To assess pressures in the heart and lungs

Which part of the CVP waveform is associated with atrial contraction?

• C wave

• Y descent

• A wave

• V wave

What does the X descent in the CVP waveform represent?

• Ventricular relaxation

• Ventricular contraction

• Atrial relaxation

• Atrial contraction

When is the right ventricular pressure waveform typically observed?

• During eating

• During exercise

• During sleep

• During PA catheter insertion

What characterizes the right ventricular pressure waveform?

• A slow increase in pressure

• A rapid increase and decrease in pressure

• A constant pressure

• A gradual decrease in pressure

What is the dichrotic notch in the pulmonary artery pressure waveform associated with?

• Opening of the tricuspid valve

• Closure of the pulmonic valve

• Opening of the mitral valve

• Closure of the aortic valve

What does the diastolic step up in the pulmonary artery pressure waveform indicate?

• A constant diastolic pressure

• A decrease in systolic pressure

• A decrease in diastolic pressure

• An increase in diastolic pressure

What does the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure approximate?

• Left ventricular pressure

• Right ventricular pressure

• Left atrial pressure

• Right atrial pressure

Why is the C wave absent in the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure waveform?

• Due to the absence of atrial contraction

• Due to the absence of ventricular contraction

• Because of the dampening effect of the pulmonary capillary bed

• Because the catheter is not in place

What is the significance of the a wave in the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure waveform?

• It shows pulmonary artery pressure

• It corresponds to left atrial pressure

• It indicates right atrial pressure

• It indicates ventricular contraction