76: Single-Pressure and Multiple-Pressure Transducer Systems

PROCEDURE 76


Single-Pressure and Multiple-Pressure Transducer Systems





PREREQUISITE NURSING KNOWLEDGE




• Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system is needed.


• Knowledge of principles of aseptic technique is necessary.


• Fluid-filled pressure monitoring systems used for bedside hemodynamic pressure monitoring are based on the principle that a change in pressure at any point in an unobstructed system results in similar pressure changes at all other points of the system.


• Pressure transducers detect the pressure waveform generated by ventricular ejection and convert that pressure wave into an electrical signal, which is transmitted to the monitoring equipment for representation as a waveform on the oscilloscope.


• Invasive measurement of intravascular (arterial) pressure requires insertion of a catheter into an artery.


• Invasive measurement of intracardiac (right atrial and pulmonary artery) pressures requires insertion of a catheter into the pulmonary artery.


• A single-pressure transducer system is used to measure pressure from a single catheter (e.g., arterial catheter, central venous; Fig. 76-1).



• A double-pressure transducer system is used to measure pressure from two catheters (e.g., arterial and central venous) or two ports (e.g., pulmonary artery and right atrial) from a single catheter (e.g., pulmonary artery catheter; Fig. 76-2).



• A triple-pressure transducer system is commonly used to measure pressures from the arterial and pulmonary artery catheters. With this system, arterial pressures, pulmonary artery pressures, and right atrial pressures can be obtained (Fig. 76-3).



• For accuracy of the hemodynamic values obtained from any transducer system, leveling and zeroing are essential.


• All hemodynamic values (pulmonary artery, right atrial, and arterial) are referenced to the level of the atria. The external reference point of the atria is the phlebostatic axis.



EQUIPMENT




Additional equipment as needed includes the following:





PATIENT ASSESSMENT AND PREPARATION



Patient Assessment




• Assess the patient for conditions that may warrant the use of a hemodynamic monitoring system, including hypotension or hypertension, cardiac failure, cardiac arrest, hemorrhage, respiratory failure, fluid imbalances, oliguria, anuria, and sepsis. imageRationale: Assessment provides data regarding signs and symptoms of hemodynamic instability.

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Jun 4, 2016 | Posted by in CRITICAL CARE | Comments Off on 76: Single-Pressure and Multiple-Pressure Transducer Systems

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