If, When the Pulmonary Artery Catheter Is Inserted, There Is

question 8

Multiple Choice

If, when the pulmonary artery catheter is inserted, there is a rapid increase in the height of the pressure waveforms with the downstroke dropping near zero, the respiratory therapist should:

• A) continue the insertion because the catheter now has entered the right ventricle.
• B) deflate the balloon and withdraw the catheter because it is curling within the atrium.
• C) withdraw the catheter because it has been jammed into the heart wall.
• D) inflate the balloon to prevent further damage because the ventricular septum has ruptured.

---

Definitions:

Amps

A unit of electric current in the International System of Units (SI), short for amperes.

Volts

Volts are the unit of electric potential and electric potential difference in the International System of Units (SI), indicating the force that drives electric current between two points.

Parallel Circuit

In electricity, any circuit that has two or more paths for current flow.

Total Circuit Resistance

The sum of all resistive elements within an electrical circuit, affecting the overall current flow and energy consumption.