Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Practice Exam

What is the term for the measurement taken to assess blood flow in the pulmonary artery?

1. Right arterial pressure

2. Wedge pressure

3. Pulmonary artery pressure

4. Pulmonary vascular resistance

The correct answer is: Pulmonary artery pressure

The term used to measure blood flow in the pulmonary artery is pulmonary artery pressure. This measurement provides critical information about the hemodynamics of the right side of the heart and the pulmonary circulation. It reflects the pressure in the pulmonary artery, which can indicate the presence of pulmonary hypertension, the effectiveness of blood flow, and potential issues with cardiac function. Monitoring pulmonary artery pressure is essential in critically ill patients and during anesthesia to ensure proper oxygenation and perfusion of the lungs. Changes in this pressure can influence therapeutic decisions and interventions. The other options represent different aspects of cardiac and vascular function, but they do not specifically measure blood flow in the pulmonary artery. Right arterial pressure pertains to the pressure in the right atrium, wedge pressure measures the pressure in the pulmonary capillary bed, and pulmonary vascular resistance relates to the resistance offered by the pulmonary vasculature against blood flow. Each plays an important role in assessing cardiovascular health but does not directly represent blood flow in the pulmonary artery itself.