CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What does measuring wedge pressure with a Swan-Ganz catheter assist clinicians with?

1. Monitoring oxygen levels in blood

2. Assessing left atrial pressure

3. Determining hydration levels

4. Evaluating peripheral blood flow

The correct answer is: Assessing left atrial pressure

Measuring wedge pressure with a Swan-Ganz catheter primarily assists clinicians in assessing left atrial pressure. This measurement is critical in understanding the hemodynamic status of the patient and is commonly used in the evaluation of cardiac conditions. The Swan-Ganz catheter is equipped with a balloon that can be inflated, allowing it to occlude a pulmonary artery branch temporarily. This occlusion creates a pressure measurement that reflects the pressure in the left atrium, providing valuable insight into the diastolic function of the left ventricle and overall heart performance. This measurement can help in diagnosing various cardiac issues, such as heart failure and pulmonary hypertension, and is also important for guiding fluid management and treatment strategies in critically ill patients. Understanding left atrial pressure is key for clinicians to determine how well the heart receives blood and how effectively it pumps it out into the systemic circulation. Thus, the correct association of wedge pressure measurement with left atrial pressure underscores its clinical relevance in cardiac care.