CRITICAL CARE HESI EXIT EXAM QUESTIONS AND
100% CORRECT ANSWERS UPDATED
2022/2023(TEST BANK)
Chapter 08: Hemodynamic Monitoring
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?
A cardiac index of 1.2 L/min/m3 combined with the identified clinical assessment findings indicate a low cardiac output with fluid overload (bilateral crackl es), requiring
intervention. The remaining hemodynamic values are within normal limits: cardiac output of 4 L/min; pulmonary vascular resistance of 80 dynes/sec/cm–5; and the
systemic vascular resistance of 1400 dynes/sec/cm –5.
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?
Low pulmonary artery occlusion pressures usually indicate volume depletion, so intravenous fluids would be indicated. A normal hourly urine output is 1 mL/kg or at
least 30 mL/hour, so this is another indication that the patient is volume depleted. Administration of diuretics would worsen the patient’s volume status. Negative
inotropes would not improve the patient’s volume status. Vasopressors will increase blood pressure but are contraindicated in a low volume state.
3. The nurse is caring for a patient who has had an arterial line inserted. To reduce the risk of complications, what is the priority nursing intervention?
, Loose connections in hemodynamic monitoring tubing can lead to hemorrhage, a major complication of arterial pressure monitori ng. Application of a pressure dressing is
required only upon arterial line removal. Blood return is adequate confirmation of arterial line placement; radiography is not performed to confirm arterial line
placement. Neutral positioning of the extremity and use of an arm board, without limb restraint, is the standard of care.
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?
Increase supplemental oxygen and notify respiratory therapy.
A hemodynamic value not supported by clinical assessment should be treated as questionable. To ensure the accuracy of hemodynamic readings, the catheter
transducer system must be leveled at the phlebostatic axis and zero referenced. In this example, the catheter transducer system may be lower than the
phlebostatic axis, resulting in erroneously higher pressures. Clinical manifestations do not support increasing supplemental oxygen. Clinical manifestations do not
warrant provider intervention; aberrant values should be investigated further. An aberrant value warrants further investigation, which includes zero referencing and
checking the level as an initial measure. A chest x-ray study is not warranted at this time.
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?
Both hemodynamic parameters and the reported hematocrit value indicate hypovolemia and blood loss requiring volume resuscitation with blood products.
Furosemide administration will worsen fluid volume status. Inotropic agents will not correct the underlying fluid volume defi cit and anemia. Vasoconstrictors are
contraindicated in a volume-depleted state.
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 provider order is of the highest priority?
The pulmonary pressures are higher than normal, indicating elevated preload, and the cardiac index and output values are low. The priority order for the nurse to
implement is to begin a dobutamine infusion to improve cardiac output, possibly reducing pulmonary artery occlusion pressures . The other treatments may be important,
depending on other patient data, but the dobutamine infusion is the most important at this time.
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
Numbness and tingling in the left hand, which is the location of an arterial catheter, indicates possible neurovascular compromise and requires immediate action. A
dampened waveform can indicate problems with arterial line patency but is not an emergent situation. Slight bloody drainage a t the subclavian insertion site is not an
unusual finding. Slight redness at the insertion site, while of concern, does not require immediate action.
8. The provider writes an order to discontinue a patient’s left radial arterial line. When discontinuing the patient’s invasive line, what is the priority nursing action?
Upon removal of an invasive arterial line, adequate pressure must be applied for at least 5 minutes to ensure adequate hemostasis. Application of an air occlusion
dressing is not the standard of care following removal of an arterial line. Elevation of the affected limb following removal of an arterial line is not a necessary
intervention. Neutral wrist position is optimum while the catheter is in place but unnecessary after catheter discontinuation .
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?
, The catheter is not positioned correctly and should be removed.
X-ray results indicate proper position of the catheter. The tip of the central venous catheter should rest just above the right atrium in the superior vena cav a. The
central venous catheter is positioned correctly in the superior vena cava. Dysrhythmias occur if the catheter migrates to the right ventricle. Central venous catheters
are placed into great vessels of the venous system and not advanced into the pulmonary artery.
10. While inflating the balloon of a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) with 1.0 mL of air to obtain a pulmonary artery occlusion pr essure (PAOP), the nurse
Balloon inflation should never be forced because the PAC may have migrated farther into the pulmonary artery, creating resistance to balloon inflation. Verification of
proper line placement is warranted to avoid pulmonary artery rupture. In addition, the PAC waveform should be observed to assist in identifying location of the tip
of the PAC. In this scenario, adding additional air to the balloon will further risk pulmonary artery rupture. Advancing a pulmonary artery catheter is not within the
nurse’s scope of practice. Flushing the distal port with saline may be indicated to ensure patency; however, the balloon of the PAC should never be locked in the
inflated position as rupture of the pulmonary artery may occur.
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
Diminished breaths sounds over the lung field on the same side of the line insertion site may be indicative of a pneumothorax . A
pneumothorax, which can develop slowly, is a major complication following insertion of central lines when the subclavi an route is used. Localized pain at catheter
insertion site is not the immediate priority in this scenario. A measured central venous pressure of 5 mm Hg is normal. Slight bloody drainage at the insertion site soon
after the procedure does not require immediate action.
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 patient’s head of bed elevated to 30 degrees and record hemodynamic valu
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. Elevation of the hea
bed is an important intervention to prevent aspiration and ventilator-associated pneumonia. Patients who require hemodynamic monitoring while receiving tube
feedings should have the air-fluid interface of the transducer leveled with the phlebostatic axis while the head of bed is elevated to at least 30 degrees. Readings will
accurate. Supine positioning of a mechanically ventilated patient increases the risk of aspiration and ventilator-associated pneumonia and aspiration of tube feeding, an
contraindicated in this patient. Hemodynamic values can be accurately measured and trended in with the head of the bed elevated as high as 60 degrees. Even though
, hemodynamic values can be obtained in lateral positions, it is technically difficult and not accurate unless the positioning of the transducer is exact. Regardless, head of
elevation is indicated for this patient.
13. The nurse is educating a patient’s family member about a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC). Which statement by the family member best indicates
A pulmonary artery catheter provides hemodynamic measurements that guide interventions that include appropriate fluid therapy . Even though a pulmonary
catheter provides multiple intravenous access sites, this is not the primary purpose of the catheter. Although the catheter is positioned in the pulmonary artery,
positioning is not the purpose of the catheter. The primary purpose of the catheter is not to aid in the healing of the heart but to guide therapy.
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 i nhalation. Pressures are highest when
measured at end exhalation in the spontaneously breathing patient. In mechanically ventilated patients, pressures increase with inhalation and decrease with
exhalation. Measurements are obtained just before the increase in pressure during inhalation. Supine positioning is contraindicated in the mechanically ventilated pat
The head of bed should be elevated to 30 degrees. Pulmonary artery occlusion pressure is not averaged, but measured during inhalation in the mechanically ventilat
patient while appropriate positioning is maintained.
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 c annula
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
A high pulmonary artery occlusion pressure of 25 mm Hg combined with low oxygen saturation is indicative of fluid volume overlo ad and warrants priority action
because the patient is at risk for hypoxemia. A CVP of 6 mm Hg and 40 mL of hourly urine output are acceptable assessment findings. A patient with a normal blood
pressure and with a slightly dampened waveform does not require immediate action. A pulmonary artery pressure of 25/10 mm Hg and a normal oxygen saturation
does not require immediate treatment.
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
Duration of the catheter is an independent risk factor for CRBSI, and removal of the catheter when not needed to guide treatment is associated with a reduction in
mortality. Cleansing the insertion site should be guided by institutional guidelines and is best accomplished with chlorhexidine skin antisepsis. Minimizing the number
of times the flush system is opened by changing tubing no more frequently than every 72 to 96 hours reduces the risk of CRBSI. Maintai ning a pressure of 300 mm Hg
on the flush solution bag helps maintain the integrity of the invasive line but does not reduce the risk of infection.
17. During insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter, the provider asks the nurse to assist by inflating the balloon with 1.5 mL o f air. As the provider advances the catheter,
the nurse notices premature ventricular contractions on the monitor. What is the best action by the nurse?
During the insertion of the pulmonary artery catheter, ventricular dysrhythmias may occur as the catheter passes through the right ventricle. Treatment with lidocaine
hydrochloride (or amiodarone) may be necessary to suppress the irritated ventricle and should be readily available. Withdrawal of the catheter is not within the scope
of practice of the nurse and may not be necessary. Having the patient cough and deep-breathe will not correct the problem. The maximum volume of air necessary to
inflate the balloon is 1.5 mL. Any additional volumes added may increase the risk of complications.
18. Following insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC), the provider requests the nurse obtain a blood sample for mixed ven ous oxygen saturation (SvO2). Which
action by the nurse best ensures the obtained value is accurate?
100% CORRECT ANSWERS UPDATED
2022/2023(TEST BANK)
Chapter 08: Hemodynamic Monitoring
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?
A cardiac index of 1.2 L/min/m3 combined with the identified clinical assessment findings indicate a low cardiac output with fluid overload (bilateral crackl es), requiring
intervention. The remaining hemodynamic values are within normal limits: cardiac output of 4 L/min; pulmonary vascular resistance of 80 dynes/sec/cm–5; and the
systemic vascular resistance of 1400 dynes/sec/cm –5.
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?
Low pulmonary artery occlusion pressures usually indicate volume depletion, so intravenous fluids would be indicated. A normal hourly urine output is 1 mL/kg or at
least 30 mL/hour, so this is another indication that the patient is volume depleted. Administration of diuretics would worsen the patient’s volume status. Negative
inotropes would not improve the patient’s volume status. Vasopressors will increase blood pressure but are contraindicated in a low volume state.
3. The nurse is caring for a patient who has had an arterial line inserted. To reduce the risk of complications, what is the priority nursing intervention?
, Loose connections in hemodynamic monitoring tubing can lead to hemorrhage, a major complication of arterial pressure monitori ng. Application of a pressure dressing is
required only upon arterial line removal. Blood return is adequate confirmation of arterial line placement; radiography is not performed to confirm arterial line
placement. Neutral positioning of the extremity and use of an arm board, without limb restraint, is the standard of care.
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?
Increase supplemental oxygen and notify respiratory therapy.
A hemodynamic value not supported by clinical assessment should be treated as questionable. To ensure the accuracy of hemodynamic readings, the catheter
transducer system must be leveled at the phlebostatic axis and zero referenced. In this example, the catheter transducer system may be lower than the
phlebostatic axis, resulting in erroneously higher pressures. Clinical manifestations do not support increasing supplemental oxygen. Clinical manifestations do not
warrant provider intervention; aberrant values should be investigated further. An aberrant value warrants further investigation, which includes zero referencing and
checking the level as an initial measure. A chest x-ray study is not warranted at this time.
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?
Both hemodynamic parameters and the reported hematocrit value indicate hypovolemia and blood loss requiring volume resuscitation with blood products.
Furosemide administration will worsen fluid volume status. Inotropic agents will not correct the underlying fluid volume defi cit and anemia. Vasoconstrictors are
contraindicated in a volume-depleted state.
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 provider order is of the highest priority?
The pulmonary pressures are higher than normal, indicating elevated preload, and the cardiac index and output values are low. The priority order for the nurse to
implement is to begin a dobutamine infusion to improve cardiac output, possibly reducing pulmonary artery occlusion pressures . The other treatments may be important,
depending on other patient data, but the dobutamine infusion is the most important at this time.
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
Numbness and tingling in the left hand, which is the location of an arterial catheter, indicates possible neurovascular compromise and requires immediate action. A
dampened waveform can indicate problems with arterial line patency but is not an emergent situation. Slight bloody drainage a t the subclavian insertion site is not an
unusual finding. Slight redness at the insertion site, while of concern, does not require immediate action.
8. The provider writes an order to discontinue a patient’s left radial arterial line. When discontinuing the patient’s invasive line, what is the priority nursing action?
Upon removal of an invasive arterial line, adequate pressure must be applied for at least 5 minutes to ensure adequate hemostasis. Application of an air occlusion
dressing is not the standard of care following removal of an arterial line. Elevation of the affected limb following removal of an arterial line is not a necessary
intervention. Neutral wrist position is optimum while the catheter is in place but unnecessary after catheter discontinuation .
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?
, The catheter is not positioned correctly and should be removed.
X-ray results indicate proper position of the catheter. The tip of the central venous catheter should rest just above the right atrium in the superior vena cav a. The
central venous catheter is positioned correctly in the superior vena cava. Dysrhythmias occur if the catheter migrates to the right ventricle. Central venous catheters
are placed into great vessels of the venous system and not advanced into the pulmonary artery.
10. While inflating the balloon of a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) with 1.0 mL of air to obtain a pulmonary artery occlusion pr essure (PAOP), the nurse
Balloon inflation should never be forced because the PAC may have migrated farther into the pulmonary artery, creating resistance to balloon inflation. Verification of
proper line placement is warranted to avoid pulmonary artery rupture. In addition, the PAC waveform should be observed to assist in identifying location of the tip
of the PAC. In this scenario, adding additional air to the balloon will further risk pulmonary artery rupture. Advancing a pulmonary artery catheter is not within the
nurse’s scope of practice. Flushing the distal port with saline may be indicated to ensure patency; however, the balloon of the PAC should never be locked in the
inflated position as rupture of the pulmonary artery may occur.
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
Diminished breaths sounds over the lung field on the same side of the line insertion site may be indicative of a pneumothorax . A
pneumothorax, which can develop slowly, is a major complication following insertion of central lines when the subclavi an route is used. Localized pain at catheter
insertion site is not the immediate priority in this scenario. A measured central venous pressure of 5 mm Hg is normal. Slight bloody drainage at the insertion site soon
after the procedure does not require immediate action.
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 patient’s head of bed elevated to 30 degrees and record hemodynamic valu
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. Elevation of the hea
bed is an important intervention to prevent aspiration and ventilator-associated pneumonia. Patients who require hemodynamic monitoring while receiving tube
feedings should have the air-fluid interface of the transducer leveled with the phlebostatic axis while the head of bed is elevated to at least 30 degrees. Readings will
accurate. Supine positioning of a mechanically ventilated patient increases the risk of aspiration and ventilator-associated pneumonia and aspiration of tube feeding, an
contraindicated in this patient. Hemodynamic values can be accurately measured and trended in with the head of the bed elevated as high as 60 degrees. Even though
, hemodynamic values can be obtained in lateral positions, it is technically difficult and not accurate unless the positioning of the transducer is exact. Regardless, head of
elevation is indicated for this patient.
13. The nurse is educating a patient’s family member about a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC). Which statement by the family member best indicates
A pulmonary artery catheter provides hemodynamic measurements that guide interventions that include appropriate fluid therapy . Even though a pulmonary
catheter provides multiple intravenous access sites, this is not the primary purpose of the catheter. Although the catheter is positioned in the pulmonary artery,
positioning is not the purpose of the catheter. The primary purpose of the catheter is not to aid in the healing of the heart but to guide therapy.
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 i nhalation. Pressures are highest when
measured at end exhalation in the spontaneously breathing patient. In mechanically ventilated patients, pressures increase with inhalation and decrease with
exhalation. Measurements are obtained just before the increase in pressure during inhalation. Supine positioning is contraindicated in the mechanically ventilated pat
The head of bed should be elevated to 30 degrees. Pulmonary artery occlusion pressure is not averaged, but measured during inhalation in the mechanically ventilat
patient while appropriate positioning is maintained.
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 c annula
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
A high pulmonary artery occlusion pressure of 25 mm Hg combined with low oxygen saturation is indicative of fluid volume overlo ad and warrants priority action
because the patient is at risk for hypoxemia. A CVP of 6 mm Hg and 40 mL of hourly urine output are acceptable assessment findings. A patient with a normal blood
pressure and with a slightly dampened waveform does not require immediate action. A pulmonary artery pressure of 25/10 mm Hg and a normal oxygen saturation
does not require immediate treatment.
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
Duration of the catheter is an independent risk factor for CRBSI, and removal of the catheter when not needed to guide treatment is associated with a reduction in
mortality. Cleansing the insertion site should be guided by institutional guidelines and is best accomplished with chlorhexidine skin antisepsis. Minimizing the number
of times the flush system is opened by changing tubing no more frequently than every 72 to 96 hours reduces the risk of CRBSI. Maintai ning a pressure of 300 mm Hg
on the flush solution bag helps maintain the integrity of the invasive line but does not reduce the risk of infection.
17. During insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter, the provider asks the nurse to assist by inflating the balloon with 1.5 mL o f air. As the provider advances the catheter,
the nurse notices premature ventricular contractions on the monitor. What is the best action by the nurse?
During the insertion of the pulmonary artery catheter, ventricular dysrhythmias may occur as the catheter passes through the right ventricle. Treatment with lidocaine
hydrochloride (or amiodarone) may be necessary to suppress the irritated ventricle and should be readily available. Withdrawal of the catheter is not within the scope
of practice of the nurse and may not be necessary. Having the patient cough and deep-breathe will not correct the problem. The maximum volume of air necessary to
inflate the balloon is 1.5 mL. Any additional volumes added may increase the risk of complications.
18. Following insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC), the provider requests the nurse obtain a blood sample for mixed ven ous oxygen saturation (SvO2). Which
action by the nurse best ensures the obtained value is accurate?
