To obtain accurate continuous blood pressure readings via a radial arterial catheter, the nurse places the air-filled interface of the stopcock at the phlebostatic axis. Where is it located?

Question

To obtain accurate continuous blood pressure readings via a radial arterial catheter, the nurse places the air-filled interface of the stopcock at the phlebostatic axis.  Where is it located?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecbb05_caf9_2a2e_b433_bbcc7c823f8e_MD0009_00 To measure pressures accurately using continual arterial and/or pulmonary artery pressure monitoring, the zeroing stopcock of the transducer system must be placed at the phlebostatic axis. This anatomical location, with the client in the supine position, is at the 4th ICS, at the midway point of the AP diameter (½ AP)of the chest wall. If the transducer is placed too low, the reading will be falsely high; if placed too high, the reading will be falsely low. This concept is similar to the positioning of the arm in relation to the level of the heart when measuring blood pressure indirectly using a sphygmomanometer or noninvasive blood pressure-monitoring device. The upper arm should be at the level of the phlebostatic axis. (Option A) The angle of Louis is the palpable raised notch where the manubrium and sternum are joined. This anatomical location is useful in counting the ICSs and in finding auscultatory areas. (Option B) The aortic area is an auscultatory area located at the 2nd ICS to the right of the sternal border. (Option D) The mitral area (apex), an auscultatory area, and the point of maximal impulse are located at the 5th ICS at the MCL. Educational objective: The anatomical location of the phlebostatic axis is the 4th ICS, at the midway point of the AP diameter (½ AP) of the chest wall. The stopcock nearest the transducer is placed here to assure accurate pressure measurements.

To Obtain Accurate Continuous Blood Pressure Readings Via a Radial