Which of the following best describes the use of the Swan-Ganz catheter?

The Swan-Ganz catheter, also known as a pulmonary artery catheter, is specifically designed for the purpose of measuring hemodynamic parameters, particularly in critically ill patients. Its primary function includes the ability to measure pulmonary artery pressures, which reflect the pressures in the right heart and pulmonary circulation. It can also estimate left atrial filling pressures indirectly by utilizing the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure measurement. This information is crucial for managing patients with conditions such as heart failure, sepsis, or pulmonary hypertension, as well as for guiding fluid management and assessing cardiac function.

While it may be tempting to consider other uses of catheters in the setting of critical care, the Swan-Ganz catheter is distinct for its measurements that directly inform on the cardiovascular status of a patient through the right-sided heart pressures and their effects on pulmonary circulation. Intravenous fluid administration, the delivery of cardiac medications, or external carotid pressure monitoring do not align with the primary capabilities of the Swan-Ganz catheter and are typically managed through other types of catheters or monitoring devices.