204k views
1 vote
Which of the following is true regarding setting up or using a transducer for an arterial line?

A) Bubbles in the line can cause a venous embolus.
B) The drip chamber should always be in the upright position.
C) Damping of the signal will cause an overestimation of blood pressure.
D) When flushing the line into the patient, hold the pressurized flush open for at least 6 seconds.
E) The femoral artery should never be used for an arterial line.

User DylanReile
by
8.4k points

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

The correct answer is B) The drip chamber should always be in the upright position to prevent air from entering the arterial system and ensure accuracy of pressure readings.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement regarding setting up or using a transducer for an arterial line is B) The drip chamber should always be in the upright position. This is necessary to prevent air from entering the arterial system and also to aid in the removal of any air bubbles that may have entered the tubing. It's important to remove all air bubbles from the system because they can affect the accuracy of the pressure readings and potentially lead to serious complications such as air embolisms. Bubbles in the line will not cause a venous embolus when dealing with arterial lines, and damping of the signal typically results in an underestimation, not overestimation, of blood pressure. The femoral artery can be used for placing an arterial line, although it carries a higher risk of infection and other complications. Flushing the line should be brief, not necessarily held open for as long as 6 seconds, which could result in patient harm.

User David Potter
by
8.3k points