What it means
A catheter, usually in the radial artery, linked to a transducer and monitor that show the blood pressure beat by beat. It is used in intensive care, surgery and for clients on drugs that change blood pressure quickly, and it allows frequent arterial blood gasar-TEER-ee-ul BLUD GASA blood test from an artery that measures oxygen, carbon dioxide, bicarbonate and the blood's pH.Full entry samples without new needle sticks. Its main risks are bleeding, poor blood flow to the hand, and infection.
For the nurse
Level and zero the transducer at the phlebostatic axis (the level of the heart). Check the hand for color, warmth and movement beyond the site, keep all connections tight and visible, and never inject drugs into it. Before a radial line, an Allen test may be done to check blood flow to the hand.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | art line, A-line |
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Related terms
arterial blood gas
A blood test from an artery that measures oxygen, carbon dioxide, bicarbonate and the blood's pH.
hemodynamics
The study and measurement of blood flow and the pressures that move blood through the heart and vessels.