A nurse is observing a patient with a pulmonary artery catheter in place. On the second day, the nurse observes a right ventricle waveform from the distal catheter port. What would be the most appropriate nursing action?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Appropriate action if there is a right ventricle waveform from the distal catheter port should be to inflate the balloon with 1.5 ml air to make a soft tip. Then, advance the catheter until pulmonary artery wedge waveform appears and deflate the balloon. Check the waveform to assure it is in the pulmonary artery. You do not want to insert the catheter deflated because the hard catheter tip may lodge in and damage the right ventricle or pulmonary artery wall.

A Nurse Is Observing a Patient with a Pulmonary Artery