What is an indication for using a Swan-Ganz catheter?

A Swan-Ganz catheter, also known as a pulmonary artery catheter, is specifically designed to provide vital information about a patient’s cardiovascular and pulmonary status. Its use involves direct measurement of pressures within the heart and the pulmonary arteries, which can help evaluate cardiac output, vascular resistance, and blood volume status. By assessing these parameters, healthcare providers gain insights into various conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as heart failure, fluid overload, and pulmonary hypertension.

The focus of this catheter is on cardiovascular and pulmonary health, making it an essential tool for monitoring patients in critical care settings, especially those with complicated medical conditions affecting the heart and lungs. Its ability to offer real-time data allows for better management and timely intervention, which is crucial for patient outcomes in critical situations.

In contrast, the other options listed involve different physiological systems and assessments that are not relevant to the primary purpose of the Swan-Ganz catheter. For instance, monitoring glucose levels pertains to metabolic functions, assessing neurological status is focused on brain and nervous system health, and managing gastrointestinal bleeding involves entirely different diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Thus, the use of a Swan-Ganz catheter is clearly aligned with evaluating cardiovascular and pulmonary function.