ABSTRACT
In the critical care setting, invasive monitoring measures such as arterial lines, Central venous pressure (CVP), and pulmonary artery catheters are used to maximise cardiac efficiency. The CVP line therefore provides information regarding right heart filling or 'preload'. Femoral lines can also be used, and pressure measurements here will correlate with central pressure. Pulmonary artery catheters are used to measure cardiac output, ensure optimal fluid resuscitation and guide the use of vasoactive drugs. Enteral feeding can be achieved via a nasogastric tube, nasojejunal tube, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, or jejunostomy. It can be used in the unconscious patient, those with swallowing disorders, partial intestinal failure and uncomplicated pancreatitis. Parenteral nutrition is given via a peripheral long line or central line. It is given for example in post-operative patients when there is a prolonged ileus, gastrointestinal fistulae and short bowel syndrome.
