When caring for a client with a left radial artery catheter, which assessment data obtained by the nurse indicates the need to take immediate action?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Although the Allen's test is performed before cannulating the radial artery and determines the adequacy of ulnar artery blood flow, circulation to the extremity is monitored frequently. The nurse must assess color, capillary refill, sensation, temperature, and movement per institution policy. Impairment in any of these parameters must be reported immediately because it may indicate impaired circulation to the extremity, and removal of the catheter may be necessary. (Option A) Capillary refill of less than 3 seconds is an indicator of normal arterial circulation. (Option C) A mean arterial pressure of 65 mm Hg is adequate to perfuse the vital organs. (Option D) To maintain patency of the arterial blood pressure monitoring system, an intravenous bag of normal saline solution is placed in a pressure infuser device. The device is set to maintain continual pressure at 300 mm Hg. The pressure drops as the volume of solution in the bag decreases and can be pumped back up. This does not pose an immediate threat to the client. Educational objective: When caring for a client with a radial, brachial, or femoral arterial line in place, the nurse must be able to assess for complications. These include hemorrhage, infection, thrombus formation, and circulatory and neurovascular impairment.

When Caring for a Client with a Left Radial Artery