Page 134 - AACN Essentials of Critical-Care Nursing Pocket Handbook, Second Edition

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Troubleshooting Problems with Thermodilution Cardiac Output Measurements
Discontinue rapid infusion through proximal or distal port. Verify PA waveform from distal lumen. Reposition catheter. Recheck and correct variables (height, weight). Check RA and PA oxygen saturations. Use alternative CO measurement techniq

Action Inject exact volume to correspond to computation constant used. Check for kinks at insertion site; straighten catheter; aspirate and

Injectate volume greater than designated amount Catheter tip in RV or RA Incorrect variables entered into monitor Left-to-right shunt (VSD) Catheter kinked or thermistor partially obstructed with clot Faulty catheter (communication betwee

Cause

Problem Cardiac output values lower than expected
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