Hemodynamic Lines

Medic2RN-CCRN-CMC · May 5, 2018

Hi all!

I am finishing up my ADN program and graduate in 1 week!!! I have a 4.0 in the program and received a 99% on my ATI Comprehensive Predictor. I think overall have done well. We have one last examination on Monday and it is on critical care. Here is my question.

I need someone to help me understand what these particular lines do and where they are placed. Here is my thought process, please let me know if I am on the right tract. 1) PA Cath/Swan- I believe this is placed into the pulmonary artery and then can be inflated to monitor the PAWP. The PA catheter is looking at the left side of the heart and is looking at pre load You can also obtain CO by using this.

2) CVP- This is utilized via a central line. This is looking at the right side of the heart, in the right atrium and is looking at the preload.A normal CVP is 2-8. Anything less shows that their volume deficient and anything higher shows fluid overload. To treat volume deficiency we are going to start out by giving fluids. If fluids don't work we can look at going with vasopressors. Now if we have an overload we will start with diuretics, vasodilators, ACE, ARBS.

Please let me know if I am on the right train of thought here.

Thanks!