As for zeroing a-line, or swan-ganz or just a cvp - the stopcock is closed
toward the patient...the port is then uncovered and then zeroed - the pigtail on
the transducer will prevent any saline from ejecting. After the monitor reads
"zeroed at......", a new cap is placed on the port after making sure there is
saline at the top of the port (want no air in the line). The stopcock toggle is
then put "off" to the port. The pigtail is then pulled up and dropped
immediately to check for damping on the wave form.....When the pigtail is pulled
and let go, there should be two or so waves immediately when pulled and they
should quickly go from large wave to small. The line is then zeroed.

Stan, RN

dinoda@... wrote:Hello Nurse Bob, I have a question regarding the
position of the stopcock when zeroing an A-line. I read your description on
transducer/line set up and use however I am not sure which way the stopcock
should be positioned. Should the stopcock be open to all three ports, pressure
bag, to air and patient or closed to one of the three (not closed to air
obviously and with the "end cap" removed) when I use the "zero" function on my
monitor? Your information is greatly appreciated, Thank you, Dino D'Angelo,
Paramedic/RN.




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