When is monitoring through an arterial line indicated?

Indications for placement of arterial lines include: (1) continuous beat-to-beat monitoring of blood pressure in hemodynamically unstable patients, (2) frequent sampling of blood for laboratory analysis, and (3) timing of intra-aortic balloon pump with the cardiac cycle.

Where do you level a femoral arterial line?

The femoral artery is best palpated just below the midpoint of the inguinal ligament with the patient lying supine and the patient’s leg being extended, slightly abducted, and externally rotated.

Can you flush an arterial line?

After blood is withdrawn for lab tests, arterial catheters are flushed with the infusion fluid to prevent the line from clotting. Patients that are awake may feel a warm sensation in the area of the catheter during flushing.

When should you zero an arterial line?

The device is zeroed when the air-fluid interface is opened to atmospheric pressure (otherwise it would read diastolic blood pressures of ~ 760mmHg).

Can nurses place arterial lines?

Other specialists who may insert arterial lines include: Registered nurses (RNs) are licensed healthcare professionals who provide skilled patient care and coordinate their care. RNs must have additional training to insert arterial lines.

What if the pulse pressure is high?

A high pulse pressure is often associated with increased risk of heart attack or stroke, particularly in men.

What are pressure transducers?

A pressure transducer is a device that measures the pressure of a fluid, indicating the force the fluid is exerting on surfaces in contact with it. Pressure transducers are used in many control and monitoring applications such as flow, air speed, level, pump systems or altitude.

How do you use a femoral arterial catheter?

For a femoral arterial line, always use the long (12cm) catheter. Place the 12 cm catheter over the guide wire, and advance until the hub is up to the skin. Remove the guide wire, and connect the catheter to a stopcock for measuring. See if an arterial tracing is obtained. Suture the sides of the catheter to the skin to ensure it doesn’t fall out.

What are the indications for the placement of arterial lines?

Historically, the indications for placement of arterial lines included: (1) continuous beat-to-beat monitoring of blood pressure; (2) frequent sampling of blood for laboratory analysis and monitoring of ventilatory impairment; (3) arterial administration of drugs such as thrombolytics; and (4) use of an intra-aortic balloon pump.

Why is the femoral artery the preferred choice for vascular access?

The femoral artery is the preferential site for emergent arterial access due to both its large size and central location relative to other potential cannulation sites. These same attributes make the femoral artery the preferred choice for vascular access for surgical and interventional procedures.

What are the contraindications for femoral artery access?

There is no absolute contraindication for femoral access. However, caution must be exercised and alternative routes considered in the following circumstances: Absent or weak femoral artery pulse (consider contralateral femoral artery, radial access, or use of SMART needle or ultrasound guided femoral access as described below)