While caring for a patient with a pulmonary artery catheter,the nurse notes the pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP)to be significantly higher than previously recorded values.The nurse assesses respirations to be unlabored at 16 breaths/min,oxygen saturation of 98% on 3 L of oxygen via nasal cannula,and lungs clear to auscultation bilaterally.What is the priority nursing action?
A) Increase supplemental oxygen and notify respiratory therapy.
B) Notify the physician immediately of the assessment findings.
C) Obtain a stat chest x-ray film to verify proper catheter placement.
D) Zero reference and level the catheter at the phlebostatic axis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A hemodynamic value not supported by clinical assessment should be treated as questionable.To ensure the accuracy of hemodynamic readings,the catheter transducer system must be leveled at the phlebostatic axis and zero referenced.In this example,the catheter transducer system may be lower than the phlebostatic axis,resulting in erroneously higher pressures.Clinical manifestations do not support increasing supplemental oxygen.Clinical manifestations do not warrant physician intervention; aberrant values should be investigated further.An aberrant value warrants further investigation,which includes zero referencing and checking the level as an initial measure.A chest x-ray study is not warranted at this time.

While Caring for a Patient with a Pulmonary Artery Catheter,the