Hemodynamic Monitoring

Question 1

The nurse is caring for a 100-kg patient being monitored with a pulmonary artery catheter. The nurse assesses a blood pressure of 90/60 mm Hg, heart rate 110 beats/min, respirations 36/min, oxygen saturation of 89% on 3 L of oxygen via nasal cannula. Bilateral crackles are audible upon auscultation. Which hemodynamic value requires immediate action by the nurse?

Cardiac index (CI) of 1.2 L/min/m3

Cardiac output (CO) of 4 L/min

Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) of 80 dynes/sec/cm-5

Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) of 1800 dynes/sec/cm-5

Answer 1

Cardiac index (CI) of 1.2 L/min/m3

Question 2

While caring for a patient with a small bowel obstruction, the nurse assesses a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) of 1 mm Hg and hourly urine output of 5 mL. The nurse anticipates which therapeutic intervention?

a. Diuretics
b. Intravenous fluids
c. Negative inotropic agents
d. Vasopressors

Answer 2

Intravenous fluids

Question 3

The nursing is caring for a patient who has had an arterial line inserted. To reduce the risk of complications, what is the priority nursing intervention?

a. Apply a pressure dressing to the insertion site.
b. Ensure all tubing connections are tightened.
c. Obtain a portable x-ray to confirm placement.
d. Restrain the affected extremity for 24 hours

Answer 3

Ensure all tubing connections are tightened

Question 4

While caring for a patient with a pulmonary artery catheter, the nurse notes the pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) to be significantly higher than previously recorded values. The nurse assesses respirations to be unlabored at 16 breaths/min, oxygen saturation of 98% on 3 L of oxygen via nasal cannula, and lungs clear to auscultation bilaterally. What is the priority nursing action?

a. Increase supplemental oxygen and notify respiratory therapy.
b. Notify the physician immediately of the assessment findings.
c. Obtain a stat chest x-ray film to verify proper catheter placement.
d. Zero reference and level the catheter at the phlebostatic axis

Answer 4

Zero reference and level the catheter at the phlebostatic axis

Question 5

A patient is admitted to the hospital with multiple trauma and extensive blood loss. The nurse assesses vital signs to be BP 80/50 mm Hg, heart rate 135 beats/min, respirations 36 breaths/min, cardiac output (CO) of 2
L/min, systemic vascular resistance of 3000 dynes/sec/cm-5, and a hematocrit of 20%. The nurse anticipates administration of which the following therapies or medications?

a. Blood transfusion
b. Furosemide (Lasix)
c. Dobutamine (Dobutrex) infusion
d. Dopamine hydrochloride (Dopamine) infusion

Answer 5

Blood transfusion

Question 6

After pulmonary artery catheter insertion, the nurse assesses a pulmonary artery pressure of 45/25 mm Hg, a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) of 20 mm Hg, a cardiac output of 2.6 L/min and a cardiac index
of 1.9 L/min/m2. Which physician order is of the highest priority?

a. Apply 50% oxygen via venture mask.
b. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.
c. Begin a dobutamine (Dobutrex) infusion.
d. Obtain stat cardiac enzymes and troponin

Answer 6

Begin a dobutamine (Dobutrex) infusion.

Question 7

The nurse is caring for a patient with a left subclavian central venous catheter (CVC) and a left radial arterial line. Which assessment finding by the nurse requires immediate action?

a. A dampened arterial line waveform
b. Numbness and tingling in the left hand
c. Slight bloody drainage at subclavian insertion site
d. Slight redness at subclavian insertion site

Answer 7

Numbness and tingling in the left hand

Question 8

The physician writes an order to discontinue a patients left radial arterial line. When discontinuing the patients invasive line, what is the priority nursing action?

a. Apply an air occlusion dressing to insertion site.
b. Apply pressure to the insertion site for 5 minutes.
c. Elevate the affected limb on pillows for 24 hours.
d. Keep the patients wrist in a neutral position.

Answer 8

Apply pressure to the insertion site for 5 minutes.

Question 9

Following insertion of a central venous catheter, the nurse obtains a stat chest x-ray film to verify proper catheter placement. The radiologist reports to the nurse: The tip of the catheter is located in the superior vena cava. What is the best interpretation of these results by the nurse?

a. The catheter is not positioned correctly and should be removed.
b. The catheter position increases the risk of ventricular dysrhythmias.
c. The distal tip of the catheter is in the appropriate position.
d. The physician should be called to advance the catheter into the pulmonary artery

Answer 9

The distal tip of the catheter is in the appropriate position

Question 10

While inflating the balloon of a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) with 1.0 mL of air to obtain a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP), the nurse encounters resistance. What is the best nursing action?

a. Add an additional 0.5 mL of air to the balloon and repeat the procedure.
b. Advance the catheter with the balloon deflated and repeat the procedure.
c. Deflate the balloon and obtain a chest x-ray study to determine line placement.

a. Add an additional 0.5 mL of air to the balloon and repeat the procedure.
b. Advance the catheter with the balloon deflated and repeat the procedure.
c. Deflate the balloon and obtain
d. Lock the balloon in the inflated position and flush the distal port of the PAC with normal saline.

Answer 10

Deflate the balloon and obtain a chest x-ray study to determine line placement.

Question 11

The nurse is caring for a patient following insertion of a left subclavian central venous catheter (CVC). Which assessment finding 2 hours after insertion by the nurse warrants immediate action?

a. Diminished breath sounds over left lung field
b. Localized pain at catheter insertion site
c. Measured central venous pressure of 5 mm Hg
d. Slight bloody drainage around insertion site

Answer 11

Diminished breath sounds over left lung field

Question 12

The nurse is caring for a mechanically ventilated patient with a pulmonary artery catheter who is receiving continuous enteral tube feedings. When obtaining continuous hemodynamic monitoring measurements, what is the best nursing action?

a. Do not document hemodynamic values until the patient can be placed in the supine position.
b. Level and zero reference the air-fluid interface of the transducer with the patient in the supine position and record hemodynamic values.
c. Level and zero reference the air-fluid interface of the transducer with the patients head of bed elevated to 30 degrees and record hemodynamic values.
d. Level and zero reference the air-fluid interface of the transducer with the patient supine in the side- lying position and record hemodynamic values.

Answer 12

Level and zero reference the air-fluid interface of the transducer with the patients head of bed elevated to 30 degrees and record hemodynamic values.

Question 13

The nurse is educating a patients family member about a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC). Which statement by the family member best indicates understanding of the purpose of the PAC?

a. The catheter will provide multiple sites to give intravenous fluid.
b. The catheter will allow the physician to better manage fluid therapy.
c. The catheter tip comes to rest inside my brothers pulmonary artery.
d. The catheter will be in position until the heart has a chance to heal.

Answer 13

The catheter will allow the physician to better manage fluid therapy

Question 14

The nurse is preparing to obtain a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) reading for a patient who is mechanically ventilated. Ensuring that the air-fluid interface is at the level of the phlebostatic axis, what is the best nursing action?

a. Place the patient in the supine position and record the PAOP immediately after exhalation.
b. Place the patient in the supine position and document the average PAOP obtained after three measurements.
c. Place the patient with the head of bed elevated 30 degrees and document the average PAOP pressure obtained.
d. Place the patient with the head of bed elevated 30 degrees and record the PAOP just before the increase in pressures during inhalation

Answer 14

Place the patient with the head of bed elevated 30 degrees and record the PAOP just before the increase in pressures during inhalation.

Question 15

The charge nurse is supervising care for a group of patients monitored with a variety of invasive hemodynamic devices. Which patient should the charge nurse evaluate first?

a. A patient with a central venous pressure (RAP/CVP) of 6 mm Hg and 40 mL of urine output in the past hour
b. A patient with a left radial arterial line with a BP of 110/60 mm Hg and slightly dampened arterial waveform
c. A patient with a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure of 25 mm Hg and an oxygen saturation of 89% on 3 L of oxygen via nasal cannula
d. A patient with a pulmonary artery pressure of 25/10 mm Hg and an oxygen saturation of 94% on 2 L of oxygen via nasal cannula

Answer 15

A patient with a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure of 25 mm Hg and an oxygen saturation of 89% on 3 L of oxygen via nasal cannula

Question 16

The nurse is caring for a patient following insertion of a left subclavian central venous catheter (CVC). Which action by the nurse best reduces the risk of catheter- related bloodstream infection (CRBSI)?

a. Review daily the necessity of the central venous catheter.
b. Cleanse the insertion site daily with isopropyl alcohol.
c. Change the pressurized tubing system and flush bag daily.
d. Maintain a pressure of 300 mm Hg on the flush bag.

Answer 16

Review daily the necessity of the central venous catheter.

Question 17

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?

a. Deflate the balloon while slowly withdrawing the catheter.
b. Instruct the patient to cough and deep-breathe forcefully.
c. Inflate the catheter balloon with an additional 1 mL of air.
d. Ensure lidocaine hydrochloride (IV) is immediately available.

Answer 17

Ensure lidocaine hydrochloride (IV) is immediately available.

Question 18

Following insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC), the physician orders the nurse to obtain a blood sample for mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2). Which action by the nurse best ensures the obtained value is accurate?

a. Zero referencing the transducer at the level of the phlebostatic axis following insertion
b. Calibrating the system with a central venous blood sample and arterial blood gas value
c. Ensuring patency of the catheter using a 0.9% normal saline solution pressurized at 300 mm Hg
d. Using noncompliant pressure tubing that is no longer than 36 to 48 inches and has minimal stopcocks

Answer 18

Calibrating the system with a central venous blood sample and arterial blood gas value

Question 19

The nurse is caring for a 70-kg patient in septic shock with a pulmonary artery catheter. Which hemodynamic value indicates an appropriate response to therapy aimed at enhancing oxygen delivery to the organs and tissues?

a. Arterial lactate level of 1.0 mEq/L
b. Cardiac output of 2.5 L/min
c. Mixed venous (SvO2 ) of 40%
d. Cardiac index of 1.5 L/min/m2

Answer 19

Arterial lactate level of 1.0 mEq/L

Question 20

The nurse is caring for a patient with a pulmonary artery catheter. Assessment findings include a blood pressure of 85/40 mm Hg, heart rate of 125 beats/min, respiratory rate 35 breaths/min, and arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) of 90% on a 50% venturi mask. Hemodynamic values include a cardiac output (CO) of 1.0 L/min, central venous pressure (CVP) of 1 mm Hg, and a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) of 3 mm Hg. The nurse questions which of the following physicians order?

a. Titrate supplemental oxygen to achieve a SpO2 > 94%.
b. Infuse 500 mL 0.9% normal saline over 1 hour.
c. Obtain arterial blood gas and serum electrolytes.
d. Administer furosemide (Lasix) 20 mg intravenously

Answer 20

Administer furosemide (Lasix) 20 mg intravenously

Question 21

The charge nurse has a Vigileo pulse contour cardiac output monitoring system available for use in the surgical intensive care unit. For which patient is use of this device most appropriate?

a. A patient with a history of aortic insufficiency admitted with a postoperative myocardial infarction
b. A mechanically ventilated patient with cardiogenic shock being treated with an intraaortic balloon pump
c. A patient with a history of atrial fibrillation having frequent episodes of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
d. A mechanically ventilated patient admitted following repair of an acute bowel obstruction

Answer 21

A mechanically ventilated patient admitted following repair of an acute bowel obstruction

Question 22

The physician orders a pulmonary artery occlusive (PAOP) for a patient being monitored with a pulmonary artery catheter. Immediately after obtaining an occlusive pressure, the nurse notes the change in waveform indicated on the strip below. What are the best actions by the nurse?

a. Turn the patient to the left side; obtain a stat portable chest xray.
b. Place the patient supine; repeat zero-referencing of the system.
c. Document the wedge pressure; continue monitoring the patient.
d. Perform an immediate dynamic response test; obtain a chest xray

Answer 22

Document the wedge pressure; continue monitoring the patient

Question 23

The nurse is caring for a patient with an arterial monitoring system. The nurse assesses the patients noninvasive cuff blood pressure to be 70/40 mm Hg. The arterial blood pressure measurement via an intraarterial catheter in the same arm is assessed by the nurse to be 108/70 mm Hg. What is the best action by the nurse?

Answer 23

Assess the cuff for proper arm size

Question 24

The nurse is caring for a patient with an admitting diagnosis of congestive failure. While attempting to obtain a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure in the supine position, the patient becomes anxious and tachypneic. What is the best action by the nurse?

Answer 24

Elevate the head of the bed 45 degrees while recording pressures

Question 25

The nurse returns from the cardiac catheterization laboratory with a patient following insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter and assists in transferring the patient from the stretcher to the bed. Prior to obtaining a cardiac output, which action is most important for the nurse to complete?

Answer 25

Zero reference the transducer system at the phlebostatic axis

Question 26

The charge nurse is supervising the care of four critical care patients being monitored using invasive hemodynamic modalities. Which patient should the charge nurse evaluate first?

Answer 26

A patient in cardiogenic shock with a cardiac output (CO) of 2.0 L/min

Question 27

The nurse is caring for a mechanically ventilated patient being monitored with a left radial arterial line. During the inspiratory phase of ventilation, the nurse assesses a 20 mm Hg decrease in arterial blood pressure. What is the best interpretation of this finding by the nurse?

Answer 27

The patient may require fluid resuscitation.

Question 28

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 28

Check the inflation volume of the flush system pressure bag

Question 29

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 29

Ensure alarm limits are turned on

Question 30

The nurse is preparing to measure the thermodilution cardiac output (TdCO) in a patient being monitored with a pulmonary artery catheter. Which action by the nurse best ensures the safety of the patient?

Answer 30

Avoid infusing vasoactive agents in the port used to obtain the TdCO measurement.

Question 31

When performing an initial pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP), what are the best nursing actions?
(Select all that apply.)

Answer 31

Inflate the balloon for no more than 8 to 10 seconds while noting the waveform change.

Inflate the balloon with air, recording the volume necessary to obtain a reading.

Zero reference and level the air-fluid interface of the transducer at the level of the phlebostatic axis.

Question 32

The nurse is preparing to obtain a right atrial pressure (RAP/CVP) reading. What are the most appropriate nursing actions? (Select all that apply.)

Answer 32

Compare measured pressures with other physiological parameters.

Obtain the right atrial pressure measurement during end exhalation.

Zero reference the transducer system at the level of the phlebostatic axis.

Question 33

The nurse is preparing for insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC). During insertion of the catheter,
what are the priority nursing actions? (Select all that apply.)

Answer 33

a. Allay the patients anxiety by providing information about the procedure.
b. Ensure that a sterile field is maintained during the insertion procedure.
c. Inflate the balloon during the procedure when indicated by the physician.
d. Monitor the patients cardiac rhythm throughout the entire procedure.

Question 34

Which nursing actions are most important for a patient with a right radial arterial line? (Select all that
apply.)

Answer 34

a. Checking the circulation to the right hand every 2 hours
b. Maintaining a pressurized flush solution to the arterial line setup
c. Monitoring the waveform on the monitor for dampening

Question 35

Which of the following situations may result in a low cardiac output and low cardiac index? (Select all that
apply.)

Answer 35

b. Hypovolemia
c. Myocardial infarction
d. Shock