Anesthesia Technologist Practice Exam

What is the most common cause of complications from the insertion of a PA catheter?

1. Fat embolism

2. Pneumothorax

3. Arrhythmias

4. Hemorrhage

The correct answer is: Arrhythmias

The most common cause of complications from the insertion of a pulmonary artery (PA) catheter is pneumothorax. During the procedural insertion, especially if the catheter is entered via the subclavian or internal jugular vein, there is a risk of puncturing the pleura or accidentally inserting the catheter into the lung tissue. This can lead to air escaping from the lung into the pleural space, resulting in pneumothorax, which may compromise respiratory function and require further medical intervention. Cardiac arrhythmias can occur during catheter placement, particularly if the catheter tip irritates the heart's conductive tissues or if it interferes with the normal electrical conduction. While they are a significant complication, they are not as frequently encountered as pneumothorax. Fat embolism is primarily a concern in the context of long bone fractures or certain medical procedures, and while possible, it's a rare complication associated with PA catheter insertion. Hemorrhage is indeed a risk whenever blood vessels are punctured, but this is less common than pneumothorax in standard practices of PA catheter placements. Understanding these risks highlights the importance of proper technique and monitoring during the catheter insertion process to minimize potential complications.