Which of the following could lead to an inaccurate CVP reading?

Improper catheter placement is crucial in affecting the accuracy of central venous pressure (CVP) readings. When the catheter is not positioned correctly within the central venous system, the pressure measurements can be significantly skewed. Proper placement ensures that the catheter tip is located in the superior vena cava near the right atrium, where accurate pressure measurements can be taken. Misplacement may lead to readings that do not reflect the true pressure in the central venous circulation, potentially leading to misdiagnosis or inappropriate management of the patient's condition.

While electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, and patient age can influence a patient's overall hemodynamic status, they do not directly cause inaccuracies in CVP measurement itself as improper catheter placement does. Electrolyte imbalances can affect heart function and vascular tone, dehydration can affect blood volume, and patient age might affect overall cardiovascular performance, but these factors do not interfere with the technical aspect of accurately measuring CVP when the catheter is placed correctly.