A-line
Formal Definition
Arterial line: an indwelling catheter placed in a peripheral artery (most commonly radial) for continuous real-time blood pressure monitoring and frequent arterial blood gas sampling.
How It's Used on the Ward
"Art line" or "a-line" — standard in ICU and OR. "Get an a-line in before intubation" means continuous BP monitoring is required.
Example
""Patient in septic shock on three pressors — a-line in the right radial gives us beat-to-beat pressure and makes ABG draws easy without repeated sticks.""
Clinical Context
An a-line reads true arterial pressure — more accurate than cuff BP, especially with dysrhythmias or hypotension. The waveform itself gives you data: respiratory variation in pulse pressure >13% suggests fluid responsiveness. Check Allen's test before placement.
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