The nurse wants to evaluate a patient's right heart preload.Which approach should be used to obtain this measurement?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best approach to evaluate a patient's right heart preload is by measuring the central venous pressure (CVP). CVP reflects the pressure in the right atrium and is a reflection of right heart preload. It is obtained by inserting a catheter into a central vein, such as the subclavian or jugular vein. Option A is used to zero the arterial line, which is important for accurate blood pressure measurements but not for assessing right heart preload. Option C, measuring the pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP), is done to assess left ventricular preload and is not a direct measurement of right heart preload. Option D, attaching the proximal infusion port to an intravenous solution, is not a method for assessing right heart preload.

The Nurse Wants to Evaluate a Patient's Right Heart Preload