Nursing care of the Paratrend 7 sensor

The Paratrend 7 sensor is a continuous intravascular blood gas sensor that consists of a miniaturized Clark-type PO2 electrode, fibreoptic pH and PCO2 optodes and a thermocouple, the monitor continuously displays the measured pH, PaO2 PaCO2 and temperature of the blood, and the calculated oxygen saturation, BE and SBC. After 7 years of caring for over 200 patients following insertion of the sensor, we describe our nursing experience with particular emphasis on the adequate fixation of the cannula, sensor system and connectors. The maintenance of the sensor through adequate flushing of the arterial line and care of the insertion site is described. Also outlined are the potential advantages to nursing practice of this new monitoring system, with particular reference to early warning of deterioration in respiratory function, closer control of mechanical ventilation and reduction in blood gas sampling and the errors inherent therein.