ABSTRACT

Haemodynamic monitoring can help to determine the diagnosis, indicate the appropriate therapy and monitor the response to the therapy. Haemodynamic assessment can include non-invasive and invasive techniques. The rate and depth of respirations will initially increase in response to cellular hypoxia. Respiratory assessment should be unobtrusive and include rate, depth, regularity and sound. Pulse oximetry is frequently used along with respiratory assessment. It measures the percentage of oxygen-saturation of haemoglobin in the circulation, not the quantity of haemoglobin or the oxygen available. A capillary refill test is frequently done to assess the adequacy of the peripheral perfusion, although, in pregnancy, oedema may complicate this. The advantage of an arterial line is the continuous visual display of both the arterial blood pressure and the arterial pressure waveform. The Central venous pressure line is generally used for monitoring and access. Chest X-rays are not contraindicated in pregnancy, although shielding of the uterus is still advised.