Techniques For Measuring Arterial Pressure in the Postoperative Cardiac Surgery Patient

Discrepancies inherent in blood pressure monitoring have resulted in frustration for the critical care nurse. Various physiologic and technical variables that influence direct and indirect blood pressure monitoring are reviewed. A focused review of literature pertaining to current techniques and future trends in monitoring arterial pressure in the cardiac surgery patient is presented to enhance the critical care nurse’s understanding of monitoring and managing their patients postoperatively.