What is a sign of malfunction in an arterial catheter?

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A sign of malfunction in an arterial catheter is difficulty withdrawing blood. This situation can indicate that there is a blockage or kink in the catheter, or that the catheter is not properly placed within the artery. When the catheter is functioning correctly, blood should flow freely and be easily withdrawn for sampling purposes.

While other options may relate to potential issues, they don't specifically signify a malfunction of the catheter. For instance, increased blood pressure could be influenced by a range of physiological factors and does not inherently indicate a catheter problem. Visible swelling at the insertion site might suggest inflammation or an infection rather than just a malfunction. Consistent blood flow is a sign of proper function, indicating that the catheter is likely positioned well within the artery and working as intended. Understanding these distinctions helps in assessing catheter functionality and patient safety.

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