Question

Which is the correct intracardiac path of the PAC during its placement?

SVC, superior vena cava; IVC, inferior vena cava; RA, right atrium; LA, left atrium; RV, right ventricle; LV, left ventricle; PA, pulmonary artery.
A) RV → RA → SVC → PA
B) RA → LA → LV → PA
C) SVC → RA → RV → PA
D) IVC → RV → RA → PA
E) LA → RA → RV → PA

Answer 1

The correct intracardiac path for the placement of a PAC is from either the superior vena cava (SVC) or the inferior vena cava (IVC), then into the right atrium (RA), through the right ventricle (RV), and finally into the pulmonary artery (PA).

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct intracardiac path for the PAC (Pulmonary Artery Catheter) during its placement would follow the return path of systemic venous blood. Starting with either the superior vena cava (SVC) or inferior vena cava (IVC), the PAC would then make its way to the right atrium (RA), which acts as the receiving chamber for systemic venous return.

After the RA, the PAC would pass through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle (RV). Since the RV is responsible for pumping blood into the lungs for gas exchange, the PAC would finally be threaded into the pulmonary artery (PA) to measure hemodynamic values relevant to cardiopulmonary status and function.

Therefore, the correct intracardiac path of the PAC during its placement is SVC or IVC → RA → RV → PA. Option C in the question's list most closely resembles this correct pathway.