An arterial blood pressure monitor gives an unexpectedly high reading after the patient is repositioned. The transducer is below the level of the right atrium. What should the nurse do?
Correct answer: A. Raise the transducer to heart level
- A. Raise the transducer to heart level
- B. Flush the line with heparin solution
- C. Place the patient in a sitting position
- D. Increase the monitor alarm limits
Explanation
The arterial transducer should be level with the right atrium, approximately the phlebostatic axis, and then zeroed according to policy. A transducer positioned below the heart gives a falsely high pressure reading.
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About Critical Care and Emergency Nursing
Covers rapid assessment and stabilisation of patients with airway obstruction, respiratory failure, shock, cardiac arrest, sepsis, poisoning and major electrolyte disturbances. It includes triage, the ABCDE approach, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ventilator and monitor care, emergency medicines and distinguishing life-threatening deterioration from stable illness.
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