Anesthesia Technologist Practice Exam

Which catheter is used to establish a temporary airway in emergency situations?

1. Endotracheal Tube

2. PA Catheter

3. Cricothyrotomy Catheter

4. Central Venous Catheter

The correct answer is: Cricothyrotomy Catheter

The cricothyrotomy catheter is specifically designed for establishing a temporary airway in emergency situations, particularly when traditional methods of intubation may be obstructed or impossible, such as in cases of severe facial trauma or upper airway obstruction. This procedure involves making a vertical incision through the skin over the cricothyroid membrane, which is located between the thyroid and cricoid cartilages in the neck. The catheter is then inserted directly into the trachea, allowing for ventilation and oxygenation when necessary to avert potential hypoxia. While an endotracheal tube is commonly used for intubation, it is generally applied in controlled environments rather than urgent scenarios. The PA catheter (Pulmonary Artery catheter) is used for hemodynamic monitoring within the cardiovascular system and does not serve for airway management. A central venous catheter is utilized for various functions, such as administering medications or fluids or measuring central venous pressures, but it is not intended for airway access. Thus, the cricothyrotomy catheter stands out as a critical tool for immediate airway establishment in life-threatening situations.