NCLEX Acute Coronary Syndrome Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive Test Prep

Assessing pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) is a critical action for an older adult client with low blood pressure following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This measurement provides valuable information about the patient's hemodynamic status, specifically concerning left atrial pressure and overall fluid status.

Following CABG, patients are at risk for various complications including low blood pressure due to factors such as fluid shifts, bleeding, or cardiac function issues. By measuring PAWP, the nurse can ascertain whether the low blood pressure is a result of inadequate cardiac preload (due to decreased blood volume) or other cardiac dysfunction. An increase in PAWP levels may indicate volume overload, while a low PAWP could suggest hypovolemia or decreased left ventricular function.

Other options may downplay the significance of low blood pressure in this context. Saying that no action is required for older adults or postsurgical CABG clients could overlook serious complications that warrant immediate intervention. Administering loop diuretics without understanding the underlying cause of the low blood pressure could exacerbate hypotension and lead to further complications. Therefore, assessing PAWP equips the nurse with crucial data to direct appropriate interventions based on the patient's hemodynamic profile.