Technology versus clinical evaluation for fluid management decisions in CABG patients

An exploratory study was designed to determine whether data made available by a pulmonary artery catheter or data obtained by nonivasive clinical evaluation were used as a basis for fluid management decisions in stable coronary artery bypass graft patients approximately 18 hours postoperatively and beyond. The sample consisted of 40 fluid management decisions made on 33 patients. The data were collected on all of the factors that influenced the decision. In no instance was information provided by the pulmonary artery catheter used as a basis for a fluid management decision; only noninvasive clinical measures were influential. The study questions the prolonged use of this medical technology with its attendant cost and risk. Nurses' roles in managing technology are highlighted.