Kettering Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist (NPS) Practice Exam

Monitoring pulmonary capillary wedge pressure is critical for assessing the left side of the heart, particularly following a mitral valve replacement. This measurement provides an indirect assessment of left atrial pressure, which is closely related to left ventricular filling pressures.

In patients with left-sided heart issues, such as those undergoing mitral valve replacement, changes in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure can indicate not only the effectiveness of the surgery but also the overall hemodynamic status of the patient. A high wedge pressure suggests left atrial or ventricular dysfunction, fluid overload, or poor cardiac output, while a low wedge pressure can indicate hypovolemia or reduced venous return.

In contrast, values like mean arterial pressure focus on systemic blood pressure rather than left heart performance. Central venous pressure primarily reflects right heart function and fluid volume status but does not provide specific insights into left heart function. Pulmonary artery pressure might indicate pulmonary vascular resistance or right heart issues but does not directly inform about the left atrial or ventricular conditions. Thus, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure is the most appropriate value to monitor in this scenario.