Question

Upon entering the room of a patient with a right radial arterial line, the nurse assesses the waveform to be slightly dampened and notices blood to be backed up into the pressure tubing. What is the best action by the nurse?

Answer 1

The nurse should immediately check the arterial line for any obstructions, kinks, or clots, evaluate all connections and the transducer system, and consult with a healthcare provider for potential intervention.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse assesses a right radial arterial line and notices a dampened waveform and blood backing up into the pressure tubing, immediate action is required. The nurse should assess the system for any potential issues, such as kinks in the tubing, clots at the catheter tip, or other sources of obstruction. The nurse should also check the security of all connections and the transducer system to ensure accurate monitoring and prevent complications. Moreover, consulting with a healthcare provider to evaluate for intervention or needing to flush the system may be necessary. Proper arterial line monitoring is vital as it provides continuous blood pressure readings and access for arterial blood gas sampling.