If, When the Pulmonary Artery Catheter Is Inserted, There Is

Multiple Choice

If, when the pulmonary artery catheter is inserted, there is a rapid increase in the height of the pressure waveforms with the downstroke dropping near zero, the respiratory therapist should:

A) continue the insertion because the catheter now has entered the right ventricle.
B) deflate the balloon and withdraw the catheter because it is curling within the atrium.
C) withdraw the catheter because it has been jammed into the heart wall.
D) inflate the balloon to prevent further damage because the ventricular septum has ruptured.