Question

A nurse is caring for a client who has an arterial line. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A.Flush the line before administering antibiotics.
B.Position the client in Trendelenburg to obtain measurements.
C.Have the client bear down when readings are obtained.
D.Place a pressure bag around the flush solution

Answer 1

In the context of care for an arterial line, placing a pressure bag around the flush solution is the correct action to maintain constant pressure for the transducer system of the arterial line.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse caring for a client with an arterial line should ensure the accuracy and safety of the procedure and the equipment used. The correct action from the options provided would be to place a pressure bag around the flush solution. This is because an arterial line is connected to a transducer that requires a continual flush system to keep the line patent and free from clot formation. The pressure bag ensures the flush solution is maintained at a constant pressure to deliver a continuous flow of fluid through the arterial line.

The other options, such as flushing the line before administering antibiotics and positioning the client in Trendelenburg, are not standard practices for obtaining arterial line measurements. Having the client bear down can affect the readings and is not recommended unless specifically required for a particular assessment.