While inflating the balloon of a pulmonary artery catheter ( PAC )with 1.0 mL of air to obtain a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure ( PAOP ),the nurse encounters resistance.What is the best nursing action?
A) Add an additional 0.5 mL of air to the balloon and repeat the procedure.
B) Advance the catheter with the balloon deflated and repeat the procedure.
C) Deflate the balloon and obtain a chest x-ray study to determine line placement.
D) Lock the balloon in the inflated position, and flush the distal port of the PAC with normal saline.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Balloon inflation should never be forced because the PAC may have migrated farther into the pulmonary artery,creating resistance to balloon inflation.Verification of proper line placement is warranted to avoid pulmonary artery rupture.In addition,the PAC waveform should be observed to assist in identifying location of the tip of the PAC.In this scenario,adding additional air to the balloon will further risk pulmonary artery rupture.Advancing a pulmonary artery catheter is not within the nurse's scope of practice.Flushing the distal port with saline may be indicated to ensure patency; however,the balloon of the PAC should never be locked in the inflated position as rupture of the pulmonary artery may occur.

While Inflating the Balloon of a Pulmonary Artery Catheter