While caring for a patient with a pulmonary arterial catheter, the nurse notes that the number of centimeters of exposed catheter has decreased. What nursing action is indicated?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the number of centimeters of exposed catheter has decreased, this may indicate that the catheter has migrated or moved from its original placement. This could be a serious complication and requires immediate medical attention. A chest X-ray may be required to check the placement of the catheter. This should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately. Flushing the ports, obtaining a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure, or zero balancing the system would not address the issue of the catheter migration and would not be appropriate actions in this situation.

While Caring for a Patient with a Pulmonary Arterial Catheter