How do I change a transducer set up?

Specialties Critical

Published

Hi all!

Second year nursing student here. I recently did a clinical in an ICU and my preceptor showed me how to set up a transducer bag to a CVP and arterial line.

My question is:

1) What is the standard practice for changing the pressure bag?

2) My preceptor didn't explain to me how to change the transducer set up. Can this be done without risking the tubing having air during the set up change?

Thanks for your mentorship!

Warmly,

Sabrina.

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Hi all!

Second year nursing student here. I recently did a clinical in an ICU and my preceptor showed me how to set up a transducer bag to a CVP and arterial line.

My question is:

1) What is the standard practice for changing the pressure bag?

2) My preceptor didn't explain to me how to change the transducer set up. Can this be done without risking the tubing having air during the set up change?

Thanks for your mentorship!

Warmly,

Sabrina.

Changing the pressure bag depends on your facility's IV policy. If fluid bags get changed every 24 hours, you change that just like any other drip. Deflate the bag and spike a new one. Repressurize.

Changing the whole CVP setup is the same as your initial setup. Spike and prime. Swap it with the old set. Just clamp the lumen while you switch, obviously.

Arterial transducer setups are a bit more challenging if the setup connects directly to the catheter with no extension or stopcock in between. You'll basically be trying to controlling a squirting artery with one hand while you swap the set with the other. You'll probably make a big mess. Put a chux down. There will be a lot of blood. haha

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Specializes in CVICU, CCRN.

Just like you prime an IV infusion, you prime the transducer set up to ensure no air bubbles and clamp the line while it is being disconnected and changed.

But I'm going to tell you right now, the NCLEX will not even have the word "transducer" or anything related to it within it's content. That is way too advanced fort he NCLEX.

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I agree with the others just make sure everything looks good and make sure nothing wrong happens with the IV bags or drippage without your control, and the ICU is boring so I recommend keeping busy!

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You change the IV fluid bags q24hrs on your pressure bags? Something we never do..

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