ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

A Swan-Ganz catheter is classified as which type of medical device?

1. Pacemaker

2. Chest tube

3. IV catheter

4. Urinary catheter

The correct answer is: Chest tube

A Swan-Ganz catheter is a specialized type of intravenous device used primarily for monitoring cardiovascular function. It is designed to measure pressures in the heart and pulmonary arteries. The cathater typically has various lumens that allow for the infusion of medications and fluids, as well as the ability to take blood samples. While it may seem reasonable to confuse the Swan-Ganz catheter with other medical devices such as a chest tube due to its critical role in managing patients, the primary classification reflects its function as an advanced form of IV catheter. This catheter specifically aids in hemodynamic monitoring and is often placed in a central vein for comprehensive circulatory assessment. The classification of a device like the Swan-Ganz catheter as an IV catheter aligns with its use and functionality in intravenous therapy rather than the roles served by a pacemaker, a chest tube, or a urinary catheter, which serve entirely different physiological purposes.