Arterial Cannulation

Question 1

What are some possible sites for arterial cannulation?

Answer 1

Radial
Ulnar
Temporal
Femoral
Axillary
Dorsalis pedis
Posterior tibial

Question 2

Name two arterial sites that are not appropriate for cannulation

Answer 2

Carotid

Brachial

Question 3

Why are the brachial arteries not appropriate for cannulation?

Answer 3

No collateral circulation

Question 4

During the placement of a central venous catheter, the carotid artery is cannulated instead of the IJ. Vital signs include: BP 116/80. RR 17. How high (cm) will the blood rise in the IV extension test tubing?

Answer 4

125 cmH2O

*mean arterial pressure (92mmHg x 1.36cmH2O

Question 5

What test is performed to confirm collateral circulation in the hand prior to cannulating the radial artery?

Answer 5

Allen’s Test.

Question 6

Why do we use smaller catheters for intra-arterial BP monitoring?

Answer 6

Allow collateral flow around catheter

Question 7

How do the dorsalis pedis and radial artery blood pressure measurements differ?

Answer 7

As you increase the distance from the heart,
systolic increases
diastolic decreases
mean will remain about the same