Question 11.2
The image below represents a tracing of an arterial waveform.
What procedure has been performed?
(b) What is your impression of the fidelity of the arterial system? Give two (2) reasons.
College Answer
What procedure has been performed?
Fast flush test
(b) What is your impression of the fidelity of the arterial system? Give two (2) reasons.
Underdamped trace – Multiple oscillations and systolic overshoot
Discussion
The dynamic response testing of arterial lines is discussed in greater detail elsewhere.
In brief: the under-damped trace will overestimate the systolic, and there will be many post-flush oscillations.
References
From Bersten and Soni's" Oh's Intensive Care Manual", 6th Edition; plus McGhee and Bridges Monitoring Arterial Blood Pressure: What You May Not Know (Crit Care Nurse April 1, 2002 vol. 22 no. 2 60-79 )
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