The charge nurse has a pulse contour cardiac output monitoring system available for use in the surgical intensive care unit.For which patient is use of this device most appropriate?
A) A patient with a history of aortic insufficiency admitted with a postoperative myocardial infarction
B) A mechanically ventilated patient with cardiogenic shock being treated with an intraaortic balloon pump
C) A patient with a history of atrial fibrillation having frequent episodes of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
D) A mechanically ventilated patient admitted following repair of an acute bowel obstruction

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pulse contour analysis systems provide stroke volume variation and pulse pressure variation data and are better predictors of fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated patients.A patient postoperative from repair of an acute bowel obstruction that is mechanically ventilated is an appropriate candidate for this method of monitoring.Aortic insufficiency,intraaortic balloon pump therapy,and the presence of cardiac dysrhythmias are conditions in which pulse contour analysis systems are either inaccurate or contraindicated.

The Charge Nurse Has a Pulse Contour Cardiac Output Monitoring