Author Question: Advancing a pulmonary artery catheter into a smaller artery may cause which of the following ... (Read 83 times)

dejastew · **on:** Jul 16, 2018

Advancing a pulmonary artery catheter into a smaller artery may cause which of the following complications?

a. Pneumothorax
b. Air embolism
c. Pulmonary infarction
d. Ventricular fibrillation

Question 2

During the inspiratory phase of spontaneous breathing, what happens to the pulmonary artery (PA) waveform?

a. There is no change in the waveform.
b. The PA waveform trend increases.
c. The PA waveform trend decreases.
d. The PA diastolic pressure increases.

vickybb89 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 16, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
A pneumothorax may be caused during the insertion procedure. An air embolism may be caused by the rupture of the balloon if overinflated or during insertion. A pulmonary infarction may be caused by the catheter being advanced into a smaller artery or by overinflation of the balloon, prolonged wedging, or clot formation. Ventricular fibrillation would most likely be caused during the insertion process when the endocardium is irritated by the catheter while it is passing through the heart.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
With spontaneous breathing, the intrapleural pressure decreases during inspiration, causing the pulmonary artery (PA) wave pattern to descend. Conversely, with spontaneous expiration, intra-pleural pressure increases, and the wave rises.