continuously via the distal port of the PAC Measuring wedge pressure is often part of a profile assessment and is used to indirectly reflect end-diastolic pressure in the left ventricle.The normal relationship between the pulmonary artery diastolic pressure (PAD) and the occlusion or wedge pres-sure (PAOP) is 1 to 4 mmHg,with the PAD being higher than the PAOP. Upon insertion of the PAC, make note of the relationship between the PAD and the PAOP. If within normal range,the PAD may be monitored to minimize the number of measurements of PAOP obtained subsequently.