An arterial catheter is inserted in the right brachial artery to monitor a patient's blood pressure. Which information obtained by the nurse indicates that a complication of arterial pressure monitoring may be occurring?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Numbness in the right hand suggests that the perfusion distal to the insertion site is decreased. The Allen test is performed before arterial line insertion, and a positive test indicates normal ulnar artery perfusion. A MAP of 102 is elevated, but this would not be caused by the arterial line. The dicrotic notch is normally seen on the arterial waveform.

An Arterial Catheter Is Inserted in the Right Brachial Artery