Which of the following is a potential complication of using a Swan-Ganz catheter?

Using a Swan-Ganz catheter, also known as a pulmonary artery catheter, carries certain risks, and one of the significant potential complications is pulmonary embolism. This complication occurs when a blood clot or other debris travels to the pulmonary arteries, which can happen if a catheter dislodges a thrombus or if there's existing venous thromboembolism that becomes mobilized during catheter placement.

The placement of a Swan-Ganz catheter involves threading the catheter through the right atrium and right ventricle into the pulmonary artery. If there is any manipulation during this process, it can potentially lead to a disruption of thrombi that may already be present in the venous system, resulting in a pulmonary embolism. This risk is particularly evident in patients who may have underlying coagulopathies or pre-existing clots.

While other complications such as pneumothorax, atrial fibrillation, and hemorrhage can occur with Swan-Ganz catheter placement, they are generally not as directly associated with the mechanisms involved in the catheterization process itself when compared to the risk of pulmonary embolism. Pneumothorax primarily relates to complications with access via the subclavian vein, atrial fibrillation can arise from various factors including existing cardiac issues, and hemorr