Question

The nurse is caring for a patient with a left radial arterial line, and a pulmonary artery catheter inserted into the right subclavian vein. Which action by the nurse best ensures the safety of the patient being monitored with invasive hemodynamic monitoring lines?

Answer 1

To ensure patient safety with invasive hemodynamic monitoring lines, nurses should monitor for infections, secure and check the integrity of lines, follow aseptic techniques, observe for bleeding, and assess vital signs regularly.

Step-by-step explanation:

The safety of a patient undergoing invasive hemodynamic monitoring is of utmost priority, especially when they have an arterial line and a pulmonary artery catheter in place. The best action a nurse can take to ensure the safety of such a patient includes frequent monitoring of the insertion sites for signs of infection, ensuring all lines are secure to prevent dislodgement and checking that the lines are not kinked or obstructed. Additionally, following strict aseptic techniques while handling the lines, monitoring for signs of bleeding, and regularly assessing the patient's vital signs are crucial elements in the patient's safety. Moreover, the nurse should be well-versed in recognizing early signs of potential complications, such as an infection, and should also make sure that the catheter and arterial line do not interfere with each other during monitoring and blood withdrawal.