Final answer:
Central Venous Pressure (CVP) is the pressure within the thoracic vena cava near the right atrium and reflects cardiac function. Normal CVP values range from 3 to 8 mm Hg. Values significantly outside this range may indicate medical concerns requiring intervention.
Step-by-step explanation:
Central Venous Pressure (CVP) refers to the pressure within the thoracic vena cava near the right atrium of the heart. This is an important measure of right ventricular preload and can reflect fluid status and cardiac function. CVP is usually monitored in patients who are critically ill, during surgery, or in those with complex cardiac or fluid issues. Normal values for CVP are generally between 3 and 8 mm Hg.
A healthcare provider may be concerned with CVP numbers that are significantly above or below this range as it might indicate issues such as hypovolemia, fluid overload, or heart problems. For example, numbers lower than 3 mm Hg can suggest hypovolemia, which may require fluid resuscitation. Conversely, numbers higher than 8 mm Hg might indicate fluid overload or poor cardiac function, which could necessitate diuresis or other interventions.