ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a central venous line?

1. Port-a-Cath

2. PICC

3. Swan-Ganz catheter

4. Salem-sump

The correct answer is: PICC

The Port-a-Cath, PICC, and Swan-Ganz catheter are all considered central venous lines because they are designed to be inserted into large veins that lead directly to the heart, allowing for the administration of medication, fluids, and for monitoring purposes from a central location. A Port-a-Cath is an implanted device that provides long-term access to the bloodstream, typically used for chemotherapy or long-term medication administration. A PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) is inserted into a peripheral vein and threaded to the larger central veins, allowing for similar uses. The Swan-Ganz catheter, specifically used for hemodynamic monitoring, is also placed in a central vein to measure pressures within the heart and lungs. In contrast, a Salem-sump tube is a type of nasogastric tube used primarily for gastric decompression and feeding, which is inserted through the nose and into the stomach, rather than being positioned in a central vein. Thus, it does not qualify as a central venous line, making this the correct distinction.