Question

Why is it important to be accurate when you zero balance the transducer at the phlebostatic axis?

A) To ensure accurate measurement of central venous pressure
B) To prevent air bubbles in the tubing
C) To calibrate the pressure monitor
D) To measure arterial blood pressure

Answer 1

Correct zero balancing of the transducer at the phlebostatic axis is important to ensure the accurate measurement of central venous pressure, which is crucial in assessing and managing patient haemodynamics accurately.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question revolves around the importance of correctly zero balancing the transducer at the phlebostatic axis during invasive blood pressure monitoring. Zero balancing the transducer is crucial to ensure accurate measurement of central venous pressure. The phlebostatic axis is considered a reference point that represents the location of the right atrium, which is the correct point of reference for intravascular pressuretransduction. If the transducer is not accurately zeroed to this axis, the readings can be incorrectly calibrated, leading to potentially misleading blood pressure measurements, which can affect patient treatment outcomes.

It is important to understand that zero balancing does not prevent air bubbles in the tubing, is not related to the calibration of the pressure monitor itself, and does not directly measure arterial blood pressure. Instead, correctly zero balancing allows for the accurate transduction of the pressure waveform that the catheter detects inside the body to the external measuring device, which is crucial for correct assessment and management of patient haemodynamics.