CVP Monitoring
CVP Monitoring
CVP Monitoring
INTRODUCTION
Blood from the systemic veins flows into RA. The pressure in RA is CVP. Thus, a catheter is
passed via Subclavian vein/Jugular vein into superior vena cava to determine venous return &
Intravascular volume of RA.
DEFINITION
Central venous pressure (CVP) is the pressure of blood in the thoracic vena cava at the point
where the superior vena cava meets the inferior vena cava prior to entry into the right atrium
(RA) of the heart.
◦CVP reflects amount of blood returning to heart & the ability of heart to pump blood into
arterial system.
◦Normal CVP in an awake, spontaneously breathing pt is : 5-10 cm H2O / 1-7 mmHg CVP ~
RAP
◦Right side function of heart is assessed through evaluation of CVP whereas left side function
of heart is less accurately reflected by evaluation of CVP,but it may be useful in chronic R&L
Heart Failure/ for differentiating R&L Ventricular Infarctions.
◦The CV line also provides access to a large vessel for rapid, high volume fluid administration
& allows frequent blood withdrawal for lab sample.
2) Direct assessment:
a) Manual measurement – Here CVP is measured using a pressure manometer & an indwelling
central venous catheter.
→Wards generally use manometers.
→Through this it is simple to measure CVP,but unable to analyse waveform and there is a
relatively slow response of H2O due to Intrathoracic pressure changes.
STEPS OF PROCEDURE
STEPS RATIONALE
1. Explain procedure to pt and get his Will reduce anxiety of pt
informed consent
2. Wash your hands & put on gloves Reduces transmission of microorganisms
3. Gather needed articles @ bedside Maximizes efficiency & minimize chances
of breaking sterility once started
4. Position pt in supine/ flat position
with no pillows under head (If pt is an
old pt and can’t tolerate this position,
choose semi-fowlers
5. ) Mark the level of RA [@ the Phlebostatic axis used to identify level of RA
midaxillary line about ⅓rd of the
distance from anterior to posterior
chestwall] in the 4th intercostal space
with an ‘X’ mark using an indelible
ink pen
6. Fix the manometer on an I/V pole Helps minimize variance in measurement
such that it is zeroed @ ‘X’ mark
7. Forces air out of stopcock and fluids like
8. Connect I/V fluid (usually NS) to a 3- glucose are not used because they stick to
way stopcock & flush other ports manometer.
17. Keep manometer in an upright To prevent air bubbles entering fluid column
position ( hanging from I/V pole) to
prevent air bubbles entering fluid
column
18. Wash & dry hands Prevents spread of microorganisms
Nurse’s Responsibilities:
1.Monitor for signs of complications
2.Assess for patency of CVP line
3.The dressing on the central venous site should be changed using Aseptic techniques and a
transparent dressing to be done to observe for any redness/discharge
4.The length of the indwelling catheter should be regularly recorded & monitored.
5.Check for any infections like CLABSI
Complications
1.Haemorrhage
2.Catheter Occlusion
3.Infection
4.Air embolus
5.Catheter displacement