The nurse is preparing to measure the thermodilution cardiac output (TdCO)in a patient being monitored with a pulmonary artery catheter.Which action by the nurse best ensures the safety of the patient?
A) Ensure the transducer system is zero referenced at the level of the phlebostatic axis.
B) Avoid infusing vasoactive agents in the port used to obtain the TdCO measurement.
C) Maintain a pressure of 300 mm Hg on the flush solution using a pressure bag.
D) Limit the length of the noncompliant pressure tubing to a maximum 48 inches.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Avoiding infusing vasoactive agents into the port used to obtain the thermodilution cardiac output (TdCO)measurement prevents the patient from receiving a bolus of these agents during rapid infusion of the injectate solution.Ensuring zero referencing of the transducer,maintaining 300 mm Hg pressure of the system pressure bag,and limiting the length of the pressure tubing help to ensure the obtained measures are accurate and do not influence safety.

The Nurse Is Preparing to Measure the Thermodilution Cardiac Output