Program

Only noted sessions below are available virtually. You can use the filter option to narrow down the sessions.

Demystifying the Pulmonary Artery Catheter: A Toolkit for Nursing Care

May 27, 2023 from 12:35pm EDT to 1:05pm EDT

Pulmonary artery catheters (PACs) provide invasive hemodynamic monitoring of critically ill patients at the bedside. Research demonstrating survival benefit has narrowed the indications for the use of PACs significantly since their introduction to those patients in refractory heart failure and cardiogenic shock. This narrowing has limited the education and, thus, knowledge of cardiovascular nurses related to their roles in insertion and, at times, deciphering what information warrants the attention of the healthcare team.

The objective of this workshop is to increase the knowledge of cardiovascular nurses about PACs. Specifically, we will build an understanding of: the waveforms and how they correspond with catheter position, performing wedging, determining cardiac output, and troubleshooting common PAC issues. Additionally, nurses will gain familiarity with their role during PAC insertion and how their knowledge and input can aid during the procedure.

We will achieve this through an interactive, informative presentation consisting of several case studies and utilization of photos and videos. The workshop attendees will participate in interactive discussions and review scenarios to achieve this objective.

With the narrowing of indications for the use of PACs, and the subsequent limitation of education for cardiovascular nurses, participation in this workshop will increase the knowledge and provide a better understanding of the nurse’s role, therefore improving comfort and competency. The impact on patient care will be seen through improvements in patient safety, queuing policy and procedural changes if necessary.

Speakers / Panelists

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    Chris Kuttnig
    RN

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    Adrian Eisma
    RN BN