Which term refers to a thin catheter inserted into an artery to monitor blood pressure in real time?

• A. A-line
• B. ABG
• C. Chest tube
• D. Endotracheal intubation

Answer: (A)

Continuous, real-time blood pressure is measured with an arterial line. This involves inserting a thin catheter into an artery (often the radial artery) and connecting it to a pressure transducer, giving beat-to-beat BP readings and allowing arterial blood gas samples without repeated needle sticks. An arterial blood gas (ABG) is just a blood sample drawn from an artery for lab analysis, not a catheter that provides continuous monitoring. A chest tube drains air or fluid from the pleural space, and endotracheal intubation secures the airway; neither is used for continuous arterial BP monitoring.