PCU Hemodynamic Monitoring & Vascular Access

Question 1

A PCU patient has an arterial line in place. The nurse notes the waveform is dampened. What is the most appropriate first action?

Accepted Answer

Check for air bubbles, kinks, or loose connections in the tubing

Answer

Flush the line with a rapid manual flush

Answer

Reposition the transducer to the phlebostatic axis

Answer

Notify the physician immediately

Question 2

The phlebostatic axis, used as the reference point for hemodynamic monitoring, is located at the intersection of which anatomical landmarks?

Accepted Answer

The midaxillary line and the 4th intercostal space

Answer

The midaxillary line and the 2nd intercostal space

Answer

The anterior axillary line and the 4th intercostal space

Answer

The posterior axillary line and the 3rd intercostal space

Question 3

A patient's central venous pressure (CVP) reading is 2 mmHg. Which clinical condition does this finding most likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

Hypovolemia

Answer

Fluid overload

Answer

Right ventricular failure

Answer

Cardiac tamponade

Question 4

Which of the following is a contraindication to placing a radial arterial line?

Accepted Answer

Positive Allen's test

Answer

History of hypertension

Answer

Need for continuous blood pressure monitoring

Answer

Anticoagulation therapy

Question 5

When zeroing an arterial line transducer, the nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Close the stopcock to the patient and open it to air

Answer

Open the stopcock to the patient and close it to air

Answer

Flush the system with normal saline before zeroing

Answer

Place the patient in the Trendelenburg position

Question 6

A PCU nurse is caring for a patient with a central venous catheter (CVC). Which action is essential when changing the CVC dressing?

Accepted Answer

Apply a transparent, semipermeable membrane dressing using sterile technique

Answer

Use clean technique with non-sterile gloves

Answer

Change the dressing every 24 hours regardless of condition

Answer

Cleanse the insertion site with povidone-iodine only

Question 7

A patient's mean arterial pressure (MAP) is calculated to be 58 mmHg. How should the nurse interpret this finding?

Accepted Answer

Inadequate to maintain organ perfusion; intervention required

Answer

Normal; no intervention needed

Answer

Indicative of hypertensive urgency

Answer

Expected in a patient receiving vasodilators