A child has just had an invasive hemodynamic monitor inserted. ...

[Garrulous]

A child has just had an invasive hemodynamic monitor inserted. After connecting the monitoring device to the monitor, what action should the nurse take next?
 
  A.
  Assess the child's postprocedural pain status.
  B.
  Document hemodynamic assessments.
  C.
  Have the parents return to the room to comfort the child.
  D.
  Perform hand hygiene and dispose of equipment.

Question 2

A child in the intensive care unit had a pulmonary artery catheter inserted 2 hours ago. The child is increasingly restless. The child's vital sign trends show a slow increase in pulse rate.
 
  Which action by the nurse is the most appropriate based on the assessment findings?
  A.
  Check to ensure the connections are secure.
  B.
  Document the findings in the patient's chart.
  C.
  Increase the frequency of hemodynamic readings.
  D.
  Notify the health-care provider immediately.

[makaylafy]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Immediately after connecting the monitoring device to the monitor, the nurse should begin hemodynamic assessments. If equipment needs to be zeroed or calibrated, this is done first. The other actions are important, but in the critically ill child, obtaining immediate and frequent readings is critical.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
A potential complication of inserting an invasive line for hemodynamic monitoring is vessel laceration, which can cause internal bleeding. Internal bleeding is often insidious, and changes will be noted over time, some of which can be subtle. The presence of increased agitation and pulse could indicate internal bleeding, and the nurse should notify the provider at once. The other actions are also appropriate, but do not take priority and can be done after notifying the provider.

[Garrulous]

Excellent

[dantucker]

TYSM