American family physician
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American family physician · Sep 1996
ReviewMonitoring pulmonary artery wedge pressure in medical patients.
Pulmonary artery wedge pressure is used in the diagnosis and management of critically ill patients. This measurement provides an accurate assessment of hemodynamic status, cardiac function and venous oxygen saturation. Wedge pressure monitoring has been used in the management of patients with complicated myocardial infarction, refractory heart failure, circulatory shock, pulmonary edema and other critical illnesses. ⋯ Clinical assessment or noninvasive tests, including chest radiographs and echocardiography, often provide information adequate for planning management. If therapy fails, or if noninvasive data are uncertain, pulmonary artery catheterization is appropriate. Risks and complications may be secondary to either catheter insertion or the continued presence of the catheter.
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Many of the patients cared for by family physicians are at risk for firearm injury or death. Awareness of the risk factors enables physicians to incorporate firearm safety into clinical practice. In addition, physicians can speak out for firearm safety in the arenas of public education and legislative advocacy.