Swan Ganz catheter is used for what ?
**Core Concept**
The Swan-Ganz catheter is a type of pulmonary artery catheter used for hemodynamic monitoring in critically ill patients. It allows for the measurement of various parameters such as cardiac output, pulmonary artery pressure, and mixed venous oxygen saturation.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The Swan-Ganz catheter is inserted through a central vein and guided into the pulmonary artery, where it measures the pressure and blood flow. It also contains a balloon that can be inflated to occlude the flow of blood through the catheter, allowing for the measurement of cardiac output. The catheter is equipped with multiple lumens for the simultaneous measurement of various parameters, including pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, and mixed venous oxygen saturation.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** While the Swan-Ganz catheter is used in intensive care units, it is not typically used for continuous monitoring of blood pressure. That is usually done with an arterial line.
**Option B:** The Swan-Ganz catheter is not used for administering medications. It is used for hemodynamic monitoring and does not have a lumen for drug delivery.
**Option C:** The Swan-Ganz catheter is not used for performing pericardiocentesis. That is a separate procedure that involves the removal of fluid from the pericardial sac.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The Swan-Ganz catheter should only be inserted by experienced healthcare providers, as it carries a risk of complications, including pulmonary artery rupture and cardiac arrhythmias.
**Correct Answer:** C. Hemodynamic monitoring in critically ill patients.