What is a key function of a Swan Ganz catheter?

What is a key function of a Swan Ganz catheter?

• A. Only for fluid administration
• B. Measure pressures in the heart and administer medications
• C. Assist in blood glucose monitoring
• D. Used exclusively for blood sampling

Answer: (B)

The key function of a Swan Ganz catheter is to measure pressures in the heart and administer medications. This specialized catheter is designed to be inserted into the pulmonary artery and allows for the measurement of various cardiac pressures, such as pulmonary artery pressure, which can provide critical information about a patient's heart function and fluid status. Additionally, the Swan Ganz catheter can facilitate the administration of medications directly into the bloodstream, particularly in situations requiring precise hemodynamic monitoring and management. This feature is essential in critical care settings, where understanding cardiac output and managing fluid balance are crucial for patient outcomes. Other options do not encompass the full capabilities and primary purposes of the Swan Ganz catheter. For example, while fluid administration is part of its use, it is not limited to just that. Blood glucose monitoring and exclusive blood sampling are not functions associated with this catheter, as it is primarily focused on cardiac monitoring and medication delivery.

The key function of a Swan Ganz catheter is to measure pressures in the heart and administer medications. This specialized catheter is designed to be inserted into the pulmonary artery and allows for the measurement of various cardiac pressures, such as pulmonary artery pressure, which can provide critical information about a patient's heart function and fluid status.

Additionally, the Swan Ganz catheter can facilitate the administration of medications directly into the bloodstream, particularly in situations requiring precise hemodynamic monitoring and management. This feature is essential in critical care settings, where understanding cardiac output and managing fluid balance are crucial for patient outcomes.

Other options do not encompass the full capabilities and primary purposes of the Swan Ganz catheter. For example, while fluid administration is part of its use, it is not limited to just that. Blood glucose monitoring and exclusive blood sampling are not functions associated with this catheter, as it is primarily focused on cardiac monitoring and medication delivery.