ARTERIAL CATHETER: ASSISTING WITH INSERTION

Course overview

An arterial catheter (commonly referred to as an arterial line, ¿art line¿, or ¿A-line¿) is a thin venous catheter that is most commonly inserted into the radial artery to provide continuous monitoring of blood pressure (BP) and easy access for obtaining arterial blood samples (e.g., for analysis of arterial blood gases [ABGs]; levels of lactate, ammonia, and glucose). This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of how to assist with arterial catheter insertion. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.