Critical Care Nursing Questions Related

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Following insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC),a bthirbe. cpohmy/tessitc ian orders the nurse to obtain a blood sample for mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO ). 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 WWWWWW ..TTHHEENNUURRSSIINNGGMMAASSTTEERRYY..CCOOMM
  • 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 asbailrbin.ceo ms/otelsut tion pressurized at 300 mm Hg
  • D. Using noncompliant pressure tubing that is no longer t han 36 to 48 inches and has minimal stopcocks
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because calibrating the system with central venous and arterial blood samples ensures accuracy of the mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) measurement. This calibration allows for comparison of the values obtained from both sources to confirm the accuracy of the measurement.

Choice A is incorrect because zero referencing the transducer at the level of the phlebostatic axis does not directly address the accuracy of the SvO2 measurement.

Choice C is incorrect because ensuring patency of the catheter using normal saline pressurized at 300 mm Hg does not directly impact the accuracy of the SvO2 measurement.

Choice D is incorrect because using noncompliant pressure tubing does not ensure the accuracy of the SvO2 measurement. The length of the tubing and the presence of stopcocks are not directly related to obtaining an accurate SvO2 value.