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Prior to the insertion of an arterial line, the physician performs an Allen's test to determine the patency of the

A.

subclavian artery.

B.

popliteal artery.

C.

radial artery.

D.

ulnar artery.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. The subclavian artery is located near the clavicle and is not assessed using the Allen’s test.
B. The popliteal artery is located behind the knee and is unrelated to arterial line placement in the wrist.
C. While the radial artery is commonly used for arterial line insertion, the Allen’s test assesses the ulnar artery to ensure collateral circulation is adequate if the radial artery is cannulated.
D. The Allen’s test evaluates ulnar artery patency by occluding both the radial and ulnar arteries, having the patient make a fist to blanch the hand, then releasing pressure on the ulnar artery to see if normal color returns. This ensures sufficient blood flow from the ulnar artery before inserting a radial arterial line.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker used primarily for supraventricular tachycardias and atrial fibrillation; it does not treat ventricular arrhythmias effectively.
B. Adenosine is used for narrow-complex supraventricular tachycardia and is not effective for PVCs.
C. Epinephrine is used in cardiac arrest situations, not for isolated PVCs in a hypotensive patient.
D. Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic that is effective in treating ventricular arrhythmias, including frequent PVCs, and is appropriate for a patient with hypotension who is at risk of progression to more serious ventricular dysrhythmias.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Dopamine primarily increases heart rate and contractility (inotropy), but at higher doses it also causes vasoconstriction, which may increase afterload—not desirable in a patient with heart failure and hypotension.
B. Epinephrine increases both heart rate and systemic vascular resistance, which could increase afterload and worsen cardiac output in heart failure.
C. Vasopressin is a potent vasoconstrictor, which raises vascular resistance and may increase afterload, potentially worsening heart failure.
D. Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that decreases systemic vascular resistance by dilating peripheral arteries, thereby reducing afterload. Lower afterload improves cardiac output in patients with heart failure while also helping to manage blood pressure.

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