When caring for the patient with a pulmonary artery pressure catheter, the nurse notes that the PA wave form indicates that the catheter is in the wedged position. Which action should the nurse take?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the catheter is in the wedge position, blood flow past the catheter is obstructed, placing the patient at risk for pulmonary infarction. A health care provider or specially trained nurse should be called to reposition the catheter, not the ICU nurse. Inflation of the balloon would further occlude blood flow and might rupture the pulmonary artery. Zeroing the transducer and changing the flush system will not correct the problem with the catheter position.

When Caring for the Patient with a Pulmonary Artery Pressure