Question

During insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter, the physician asks the nurse to assist by inflating the balloon with 1.5 mL of air. As the physician advances the catheter, the nurse notices premature ventricular contractions on the monitor. What is the best action by the nurse?

Answer 1

A nurse should alert the physician immediately if premature ventricular contractions are observed during the insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter, as these could indicate potential cardiac complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

During insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter, if a nurse notices premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) on the monitor, the best action would be to alert the physician immediately. PVCs can be an indication of irritation or overstimulation of the ventricles due to the catheter, and may potentially lead to more serious cardiac arrhythmias if not addressed. The nurse should not ignore these contractions as they are an important sign that the heart may not be tolerating the procedure well. The nurse's role is critical in continuously monitoring the patient's cardiac rhythm and ensuring the safety of the patient during this invasive procedure.