A patient in the intensive care unit has a pulmonary artery catheter for hemodynamic monitoring.On assessment,the nurse finds the patient clinically unchanged from the last assessment,but the hemodynamic data are significantly changed.Which action by the nurse is the most appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When caring for a patient with hemodynamic monitoring,the nurse must be able to "zero" and level the catheter transducers,monitor the waveforms,and interpret the data.When the data do not match the clinical picture,the nurse should check the equipment.The findings should be documented,but further action is needed.The health-care provider may or may not need to be notified,but the nurse would first check the equipment to ensure the readings were accurate.Reviewing laboratory data is another nursing responsibility,but does not directly address the issue.

A Patient in the Intensive Care Unit Has a Pulmonary