What is another common name for an arterial line used to monitor real-time blood pressure?

• A. A-line
• B. ABG
• C. Chest tube
• D. VBG

Answer: (A)

An arterial line used for real-time blood pressure monitoring is commonly called an A-line. This term is the shorthand clinicians use for an arterial line placed in an artery (like the radial, brachial, or femoral artery) that provides continuous BP waveforms and immediate arterial blood sampling.

The other terms refer to different things: arterial blood gas (ABG) is a laboratory test from an arterial sample, not the monitoring line itself; venous blood gas (VBG) comes from a vein; and a chest tube is a drain placed in the chest to remove air or fluid.