Anesthesia Technician Practice Exam

What is considered the most reliable site for monitoring core temperature?

1. Oral thermometer

2. Rectal thermometer

3. PA (Pulmonary Artery) catheter

4. Axillary thermometer

The correct answer is: PA (Pulmonary Artery) catheter

Monitoring core temperature is crucial in various clinical settings, particularly during anesthesia and surgery. Among the options provided, the pulmonary artery catheter is considered the most reliable site for measuring core temperature. This is primarily because the pulmonary artery is relatively centrally located within the body, allowing for a more accurate representation of core body temperature compared to peripheral sites. Core temperature measurements obtained through a pulmonary artery catheter reflect the body’s true thermal status since they are not influenced by external factors such as environmental temperature, airflow, or skin perfusion, which can significantly affect readings taken from other locations, such as the oral or axillary sites. Other methods, like using a rectal thermometer, are also reliable, but they can be influenced by factors such as recent bowel movements or the technique used for insertion. While oral and axillary thermometers are common non-invasive options, they are less reflective of core body temperature due to their exposure to environmental conditions and their peripheral locations. Thus, the pulmonary artery catheter is preferred for its accuracy in core temperature monitoring in clinical practice.