Critical Care Nursing NCLEX Questions Related

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Upon entering the room of a patient with a right radial arte rial line, the nurse assesses the waveform to be slightly dampened and notices blood to bea bbirabc.ckoemd/te ustp into the pressure tubing. What is the best action by the nurse?

  • A. Check the inflation volume of the flush system pressur e bag.
  • B. Disconnect the flush system from the arterial line catheter.
  • C. Zero reference the transducer system at the phlebostati c axis. WWWWWW ..TTHHEENNUURRSSIINNGGMMAASSTTEERRYY..CCOOMM
  • D. Reduce the number of stopcocks in the flush system tubing.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Disconnect the flush system from the arterial line catheter. This action is necessary to prevent air from entering the patient's bloodstream, which can lead to air embolism. By disconnecting the flush system, the nurse stops the flow of air and ensures patient safety. Checking the inflation volume of the pressurized bag (A) is not the immediate concern in this situation. Zero referencing the transducer system (C) is unrelated to the issue of air entering the arterial line. Reducing the number of stopcocks in the flush system tubing (D) does not address the immediate risk of air embolism.