Anesthesia Technologist Practice Exam

Which patient position is commonly used for PA placement?

1. Supine

2. Sitting

3. Trendelenburg

4. Lateral

The correct answer is: Trendelenburg

The Trendelenburg position is commonly utilized for PA (pulmonary artery) catheter placement primarily because it facilitates venous return and enhances the filling of the heart, which is critical when inserting the catheter into the right atrium. By positioning the patient with their head down and legs elevated, the effects of gravity can help promote increased venous return from the lower extremities. This positioning can optimize the pressure readings and improve the catheter's ease of placement. The choice of Trendelenburg position can also help maintain venous access and can provide a clearer route to the central venous system, reducing the risk of complications during catheter insertion. Moreover, the gravitational shift can help in visualizing the central veins better, allowing for more effective guidance during the procedure. In contrast, while other positions such as supine or sitting may be used in various clinical situations, they do not provide the same physiological benefits for PA catheter placement as the Trendelenburg position does. The lateral position, which may be used for certain procedures or specific patient needs, is generally less common for PA placement due to potential difficulty in accessing the central venous system effectively.