Complications of arterial catheterization for a 96-h period of monitoring include all the following EXCEPT
A. Arterial thrombosis
B. Infection at the catheter site C. Hemorrhage
D. Septicemia
Ans.
D. Septicemia
Arterial catheterization in the
critically ill patient is an important method of monitoring changes in blood
pressure and permitting frequent sampling of arterial blood. Arterial thrombosis
is especially common with smaller arteries such as the radial or dorsalispedis.
This problem can be reduced by the use of continuous heparin flow rather than
intermittent flushing. Infection at the catheter site can be minimized by
careful management of the wound and by percutaneous placement of the catheter
without arterial cutdown. Hemorrhage can occur if the system becomes
disconnected. Septicemia is extremely unusual if the catheter is not left in
situ for more than 4 days, but it becomes an increasing problem with longer
use. Wound hematoma can occur especially if there is difficulty with he
arterial puncture. This complication may be dangerous when catheterization of
the femoral artery is used because the blood losJ> in pelvis or thigh may not
be appreciated
