Page 136 - AACN Essentials of Critical-Care Nursing Pocket Handbook, Second Edition
P. 136
Press start button after injection completed to delay computer Check for kinks, particularly at insertion site; straighten catheter; 123
Action sampling time. Inject smoothly and quickly (10 mL in 4 seconds). Always check catheter patency by withdrawing, then flushing proximal port before CO determinations. reposition patient.
Troubleshooting Problems with Thermodilution Cardiac Output Measurements (continued)
Magnetic interference producing numerous spikes in CO curve Long lag time between injection and upstroke of curve Uneven injection technique RA port partially occluded with clot Catheter partially kinked
Cause
Problem Irregular upslope of
CO curve
4.20
