Hemodynamic status is monitored, and findings are documented, including pulmonary artery pressure (normally 20 to 30 mm Hg systolic and 8 to 12 mm Hg diastolic) every hour as directed. The transducer is balanced and calibrated as required (every 4 to 8 hr). The nurse prepares and sets up the transducer equipment to monitor pulmonary artery pressure and PAWP according to institutional protocol and the manufacturer's instructions. Synonym: pulmonary artery occlusive pressure wedge pressure See: Swan-Ganz catheter Patient care Elevated wedge pressures are found characteristically in patients with congestive heart failure or fluid overload. The balloon is then passively deflated after measurements of wedge pressure are completed. Because no valve is present between this location and the left atrium, the measurement reflects left atrial pressure, and, in the presence of a competent mitral valve, the measurement provides an indication of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. This allows the catheter to float into a wedged position and permits sensing of transmission of pressures ahead of the catheter (in the pulmonary capillary bed) by the transducer. The catheter is positioned in the pulmonary artery, and the distal portion of the catheter is isolated from pressure behind it in the artery by inflating a balloon with air. Pressure measured in the pulmonary artery after catheterization.