What should the CST monitor during a liver resection?

During a liver resection, monitoring blood loss is crucial for several reasons. The liver is highly vascular, and resection can lead to significant hemorrhage if not managed properly. The certified surgical technologist (CST) plays a vital role in tracking and managing intraoperative blood loss to maintain hemodynamic stability. Continuous assessment allows for timely interventions, such as fluid resuscitation or blood transfusions, to prevent complications like hypovolemic shock.

In terms of the other factors, while body temperature, urine output, and blood pressure are all important parameters to monitor during surgery, they do not hold the same immediate significance as blood loss for this specific procedure. Body temperature is more relevant to managing perioperative hypothermia, urine output gives insights into kidney function and fluid balance, and blood pressure is important for overall hemodynamic stability, but the risk of significant blood loss during a liver resection makes it the primary focus in that context.