Upon entering the room of a patient with a right radial arterial line,the nurse assesses the waveform to be slightly dampened and notices blood to be backed up into the pressure tubing.What is the best action by the nurse?
A) Check the inflation volume of the flush system pressure bag.
B) Disconnect the flush system from the arterial line catheter.
C) Zero reference the transducer system at the phlebostatic axis.
D) Reduce the number of stopcocks in the flush system tubing.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To maintain the patency of the arterial line,the inflation volume of the flush system pressure bag should be inflated to 300 mm Hg to ensure a constant flow of fluid through the system,preventing backward flow of blood into the system tubing.Disconnecting the flush system from the arterial line is inappropriate and could increase the risk of infection to the patient.Zero referencing the system will not help clear the blood from the system tubing.Reducing the number of stopcocks helps reduce the risk of a disconnection that could lead to excessive blood loss.

Upon Entering the Room of a Patient with a Right