What tools are used to assess cardiac output in ICU patients?

The assessment of cardiac output is crucial in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting to monitor a patient's hemodynamic status. Pulmonary artery catheters and non-invasive cardiac output monitors are specifically designed for this purpose.

Pulmonary artery catheters, often known as Swan-Ganz catheters, allow for direct measurement of pressures in the heart and lungs, providing valuable information about the heart's function and cardiac output through thermodilution techniques. Non-invasive cardiac output monitors utilize various technologies, such as impedance cardiography or ultrasound, to estimate cardiac output without the need for invasive procedures.

These tools enable healthcare providers to make informed decisions regarding fluid management, medication adjustments, and overall patient care in critically ill patients. The specificity and accuracy of these instruments make them essential for assessing cardiovascular status, which is why this option is the correct choice.